Norman Darrall Obituary

Norman A. Darrall, 81, of Wabasha, passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center in Wabasha.
    Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha, with Rev. James Clausen officiating. Interment will be at St. Felix Cemetery in Wabasha with military honors provided by the Wabasha American Legion Post 50; Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post 4086 and MNARNG.
    Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
    Norm was born Jan. 24, 1938, in Rochester to Alonzo and Arlyn Darrall.  He graduated from Rochester High School in 1956.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962 as an amphibious personnel tractor driver.  On Oct. 26, 1963, he married Beverly A. Heimer at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester.  She preceded him in death on May 22, 2004.
    One of Norm’s passions was motorcycles. As a semi-professional motorcycle hill climber, he was a fierce competitor and won many trophies and accolades for his climbing skills. His nickname of Stormin’ Norman was fitting. The first five years of retirement Norm logged over 100,000 miles on his bike. His love of the outdoors mixed with cars and bikes created many great friendships and memories. Norm was charismatic and left an impression on all he met.
    Both he and his wife had a kind heart for animals.  They were usually surrounded by cats and dogs. Be it their own, or the neighbors. Both Norm and Bev were generous in supporting many local and national animal organizations.
    He is survived by a daughter, Andrea (Paul) Darrall-Sturm, The Woodlands, Texas; a son, Jeffrey Darrall, Wabasha/Rochester; three grandchildren; a sister, Bonnie; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
    Memorials can be directed to Paws and Claws in Rochester or the American Cancer Society.
    Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home and Crematory of Wabasha. Words of sympathy and remembrance can be given at www.abbottfh.com.