Norbert Kelzer

Norbert Kelzer, age 88, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on November 18, 2020, at Fairway View Senior Community in Ortonville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 23, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Chapel in Ortonville and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Fr. Brian Oestreich will celebrate the Mass and interment will be at Mound Cemetery.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings of up to 250 people. The use of face masks by attendees is required, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming is available in most situations and will be available at the bottom of this page.

Norbert John Kelzer was born on November 11, 1932, in Rosen, MN, to John James and Susan Marie (Schmieg) Kelzer. He attended school in Bellingham and while he was in 12th grade, Norbert attended the Wastewater Treatment Program. Norbert completed his post-secondary education in Canby, MN.

On October 1, 1955, Norbert was united in marriage with Barbara Ann Brown at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. Together, the couple had five children. In his early years, Norbert drove produce truck and worked for the Big Stone Canning Factory. He worked for the City of Ortonville for over 33 years and most recently worked for the Ortonville Tree Dump for about 10 years.

Norbert loved his coffee time at the Cottage Inn Café and visiting with his friends. He took a lot of pride in his yard and how much work he put into making it look nice. Norbert also enjoyed raising pigeons. He loved doing word searches and watching sports on TV. Most of all, Norbert loved spending as much time as he could with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Pat (Azim) Sheik-Taheri of Redmond, WA; Jim Kelzer of Brandon, SD; Rich (Penny) Kelzer of Brookings, SD; Dori (Gareth) Homan of Odessa, MN; and Rob (Crystal) Kelzer of Ortonville, MN; grandchildren: Amin, Amir, Aanya, Joshua, Nicole, Jacob, Jessica, Baylee, and Raimi; great-grandchildren: Kiara, Kamina, Alexandria, Jayce, Jaxton, and Kysen; along with many nieces and nephews.

Norbert was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years and 9 months, Barbara Ann; granddaughter, Hailey Ann; his parents, John and Susan Kelzer; and nine brothers and sisters.