NORMAN JAMES COMMERFORD

NORMAN JAMES COMMERFORD
JULY 20, 1943 – DECEMBER 16, 2017
OBITUARY
 
Norman James Commerford, 74, Danvers, Minn., died Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Rice Memorial Hospital.  Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue from 10–11 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at St. Francis.  Interment will be in the St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery in DeGraff.  Memorials preferred to the Danvers Fire Dept., Rice Hospice, and St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home.
 
Norman James Commerford was born July 20, 1943, at Swift County Benson Hospital, the son of Warren Michael and Marcella Elizabeth (Payne) Commerford.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith by Fr. Walsh in Murdock, MN.  Norman grew up in rural Maynard, attending School District #43 through eighth grade and graduating from West Central School of Agriculture in 1961.  On February 23, 1963, Norm was united in marriage to Marie Ellen Kalb at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beroun, MN.  This union was blessed with more than 54 years of marriage and two sons.
 
Norm worked at Johnson Brothers Construction from 1961-1972 and then started Commerford Construction in 1973 on a $1,500 loan from a relative.  He then acquired a gravel business in 1990 and started Commerford Gravel.  Norm was a member of the Danvers Fire Department, Church of the Visitation, and Knights of Columbus; he served on the Board of Directors for Swift County GROW; and was Mayor of the City of Danvers for 20 years.  He was a private pilot and member of the Lynch Lake Flying Club.  He was also a member of the International Union Operating Engineers for over 50 years.  Norm was a member and life sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and did the first of many D.U. Restoration Projects in Minnesota and South Dakota.
 
Norm enjoyed hunting, especially his many hunting trips out west and a caribou hunt in the Arctic Circle.   He also enjoyed fishing, camping, shaking dice at coffee, card games at family get-togethers, and loved spending time with his family and friends.  Working was another great focus of his life that he enjoyed and the friendships made with others in the construction industry and with Township and County Officials in western Minnesota.
 
Norm passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Rice Memorial Hospital.  He attained the age of 74 years, 4 months and 26 days.  He is survived by his wife, Marie Commerford of Danvers; son, Todd Commerford (Jennifer Wersinger) of Danvers; daughter-in-law, Julie Commerford of Danvers; siblings: Richard (Jackie) Commerford of Benson, Beverly Nagler of Benson, Marjorie (Jerry) Olson of Danvers, and Robert Commerford of Danvers; brothers-in-law: Rudy “Butch” Kalb of Alexandria, Dick (Teresa) Kalb of Hinckley, and David Odendahl of Pine City.
 
Norm was preceded in death by his son, Michael James Commerford; parents, Warren & Marcella Commerford; brother-in-law, Donald Nagler; and sisters-in-law: Linda Kalb, Betty Odendahl, and Linda Commerford.
 
Please sign the guest book at:  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com