Leslie Leigh Norman

Leslie “Les” L. Norman, 82 of Lake Crystal, MN passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at Oak Terrace Memory Care on Friday, July 11, 2025 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. His family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who helped care for him and his family during the past several months.

A celebration of Leslie’s life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Crossview Covenant Church, 2000 W Howard Drive, North Mankato, Minnesota. Visitation will begin an hour earlier, with a lunch to follow. Please share a memory of Les with his family and watch his service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

Les was accepted as a body donor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. There will be a private family military service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date.

Memorials preferred to the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Schools, his favorite charity.

Les was born in Bagley, Minnesota on May 6, 1943 to Jim and Elna Norman. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, grew up on the family farm north of Leonard, Minnesota and attended country school through the 6th grade. He also attended school in Clearbrook, Minnesota and graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 1961. In high school, he was a musician, traveling with quartets and other musicians on weekends and traveled with the choir to the east and west coasts. He served as student body president and was on the yearbook staff.

Les attended Northwestern College in Minneapolis and earned his Bachelor of Science from Concordia University, Master of Science Degree, Education Specialist Degree and Superintendent Endorsement from St. Cloud State University. In 1968, Les began his 41-year career in education as an elementary teacher in Monticello, Minnesota. After one year in the classroom, he was drafted into the Army and served on surface-to-air missile installations with the United States Army Air Defense Command with headquarters at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. He did extensive training at Fort Bliss Texas, McGregor and White Sands Missile Range, and Fort Hood, Texas. He was in the Army for 40 months and held the rank of E5 upon his honorable discharge in 1972.

Les continued his career as an elementary teacher in Monticello, then upon finishing his specialist degree, he served as an elementary school principal in the Elk River, Pierz, and Park Rapids Public Schools. He became Superintendent of Schools for the Park Rapids School District 1988-1996, Morris Public Schools 1996-2000, and Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Public Schools 2000-2012. Les was awarded Region 2A Superintendent of Excellence in 2012, the year he retired. He enjoyed the respect of colleagues in education and was known not only for his professionalism and fairness, but as someone who would always be available to assist and support them. He was an active member of many local and professional organizations and a member of Crossview Covenant Church in North Mankato where he served as usher, on the church counsel, and facilitated classes on Financial Peace.

Outside his professional life, Les was a community volunteer, a member of the Kiwanis, Rotary International, and an EMT. Les was a passionate hunter and fisherman. He was an avid reader, lifelong learner, spiritual leader to his family and friends, passionate educator, caring brother, affectionate grandfather, devoted father, and committed and loving husband. He will be fondly remembered as a wise, gentle man, filled with good spirits and a smile for all.

Les is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Perkins) Norman; daughter, Janelle Norman of Madrid, Spain; daughter, Gayle (Brian) Dalton of St. Paul, MN; son, Dan (Alyssa Stafne) Norman, of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Fiona and Finley Dalton of St. Paul; brothers, Neil (Lorna) Norman of Milaca, MN, and Dean (Peggy) Norman of Brainerd, MN; stepsister, Alice Monsen of Fergus Falls; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Elna Norman-Monsen; stepfather, Andy Monsen; two stepsisters, Esther Markland and Janet Aasby; his father and mother-in-law, Marion and Lucille Perkins; sister-in-law, Susan Perkins; brother-in-law, Robert Gray; and stepbrother-in-laws, Finn Markland and Harold Aasby.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Mortuary.
Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.