Norma F. Stende-Gromaski

Norma Stende-Gromaski, age 76, of Moorhead, Minnesota, died on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

Born Norma Frances Klein on July 2, 1949, in Valley City, North Dakota, to Reuben Elmer and Anna M. (Bontrager) Klein, she grew up in Valley City and graduated from high school there. She then moved to Fargo to attend Interstate Business College, where she earned a two-year degree in business administration.

Norma built a successful 42-year career at Warner and Company Insurance in Fargo, advancing to Vice-President and Key Account Manager. She was actively involved in professional organizations, including the National Association of Insurance Women, where she served as local president. She was first married to John Stende, with whom she had two sons, John and Don. Later in life she met George Gromaski, the love of her life, through their shared passion for bingo. They were partners for 31 years before marrying in July 2014 and made their home first in Georgetown, Minnesota, and later in south Moorhead.

Norma and George enjoyed traveling, always seeking out bingo games along the way. They were devoted fans of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks baseball team and attended games whenever possible. She also took great pleasure in oldies music, especially Elvis Presley, and in collecting Tweety Bird memorabilia.

She is survived by her sons, John (Jodi) Stende of West Fargo, North Dakota, and Don (Elizabeth Thompson) Stende of Shoreview, Minnesota; grandchildren Rebekah Stende, John Alex Stende, and Arie (Will) Bell; sister Sandy (Bruce) Adam of Horace, North Dakota; brother-in-law Jerald Knudson of Walla Walla, Washington; four stepchildren, Anne (Jim) Weiss, Paul Gromaski, Julie (Mike) Dwyer, and Stephanie Gromaski; five step-grandchildren; and seven step great-grandchildren. Norma was preceded in death by her husband George in November 2025, her brother Randy Klein, and her sister Doris Knudson.