Norman Martin Jones

Norman M. Jones, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on March 10, 2026. Born on August 28, 1930, in Fargo, North Dakota, Norman served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army K-9 Corps and as an executive chef in the officers’ dining hall. He dedicated his life to his faith, his family, and a distinguished career in finance.

In 1950, Norman married his beloved wife, Eunice Skurdahl. Their 71-year marriage was marked by deep companionship, unwavering support, and extraordinary generosity. Together they devoted themselves to numerous charitable causes, including their church, Concordia College, Sanford Hospital, and many other organizations. Norman cared for Eunice with tender devotion in her later years until her passing on January 30, 2022.

Norman was a nurturing father to his children Janet, Marietta (Mark), Mark (Nilou), and Steven (Dina), a beloved brother to Mary Jones Olsen (Dave Loeks), brother-in-law to Nancy Jones Schafer (Morrie Jones, Ed Schafer), and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his grandchildren Blake (Kelsey), Rosha (Imran), Bobby (Tamaki), Sara (Bill), Janelle, and Joshua, and his great-grandchildren Lucas (16), Noah (10), Noor (5), Alice (3), and Daria (3 months). Norman and Eunice supported their grandchildren through college, law school, and graduate studies, and created lasting family memories through trips to Norway, Italy, Alaska, Hawaii, and their beloved lake cabin on Pelican Lake.

Norman enjoyed a long and successful career in finance, beginning at the family-founded Metropolitan Federal Bank from 1952 to 1983, where he rose to leadership roles. He later served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Finance Corporation in Minneapolis from 1983 to 1994. He contributed to many boards, including the Board of Directors of First Bank System and as Vice Chair of the Federal Home Loan Bank in Des Moines. His many honors included the President’s Award and Regent’s Award from Concordia College, the Soli Deo Gloria Award, the Martin Luther Award, the Outstanding Business Leader Award from the North Dakota Business Foundation, and an honorary doctorate from Concordia College.

Outside of work, Norman found joy in golf, snow skiing, hunting, tennis, and travel. As a young man he trained and sold hunting dogs to help pay for college, an expertise that led to his service in the Army’s K-9 Corps. He maintained strong ties to his Norwegian heritage and took great pleasure in sharing it with family and friends. Norman’s life was defined by his deep faith, quiet generosity, and profound love for his family, values that continue through those who knew and loved him.