Norman Alois Van Overbeke was born on June 1, 1948, in Marshall, to Arthur and Julia (Matthys) Van Overbeke. He grew up in Green Valley and graduated from Marshall High School in 1966. Norm served in the U.S. Marine Corp as part of an artillery unit in Vietnam. After his service, Norm attended Southwest Minnesota State University. He achieved a Bachelor’s Degree and participated on the wrestling team. He was married to Patricia “Patt†Van Robays and to this union were born son Todd and daughter Kristi. Norm worked for the Great Plains Supply Company in Ivanhoe. After a brief transfer to Hutchinson, he returned to Ivanhoe where he opened and operated the local Hardware Store. He also served as the Emergency Manager for Lincoln County. Norm later went to work as a Building Inspector for DSI and drove bus for 4.0 Bus Company. He retired from his inspecting job but continued driving his “Precious Cargo†until his death. Norm was a very social person. He made friends easily and volunteered actively for many organizations. He was Gambling Commissioner of the VFW Post 2980 and volunteered for the Ivanhoe Fire Department for over 35 years. He loved sports of all kinds including golf, softball and racquetball. He was also an outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. Norm was most passionate about his family and especially enjoyed following his kids and grandkids’ activities.
Norm died on Sunday, January 7, 2018, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center shortly after a bone cancer diagnosis. He is survived by his son Todd (and Jennifer) Van Overbeke of Ivanhoe, grandchildren Cooper and Carson, daughter Kristi Van Overbeke Leach of Virginia Beach, VA, grandchildren Shaemon and Shelby, siblings; Delores Sumption of Breckenridge, MN, JoAnn Gerlach of Green Valley, MaryAnn and Rich Memmer of Ventura CA, Gordie and Solveig Van Overbeke of Lucan, Eugene and Joann Van Overbeke of Eagan, Kathy and Paul Moen of Minneapolis, nieces, nephews, relatives and special friend Carol Janiszeski of Minneota. Norm was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Van Overbeke and sister LouAnn Van Overbeke.
Memorials Preferred.
