Norman Lee Campbell, age 94, of Yankton, South Dakota, entered his heavenly home on Monday, October 6, 2025, after a short illness.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Redeeming Grace Bible Church, corner of 19th & Burleigh in Yankton, followed by military honors performed by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791 of Yankton and the Air Force Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The service will be livestreamed on the Redeeming Grace Yankton YouTube channel. Interment will be held at the Wynot Cemetery in Wynot, Nebraska, at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.
Norman was born December 19, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana, to Forest and Evelyn Esther (Emmons) Campbell. He grew up in South Bend where he graduated from Riley High School. Norman then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. He was proud to serve his country during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan, Labrador, and other U.S. locations including Sioux City, Iowa, where he met his wife to be, Ethel Mae Thompson. The couple was married on September 6, 1953, in Mission Hill, South Dakota, after which they lived in Indiana and had a daughter, Cindy. Norman was honorably discharged in 1960 after ten years of service. They moved to the Thompson farm near Gayville, South Dakota, to be close to Ethel’s parents.
Norman worked for Johnson’s Bakery, Freeman Company, and finally at Wilson Trailer for 25 years until he retired. After retirement, Norm enjoyed working part time at Sunshine Foods and then at HyVee well into his 80s. He always had a smile on his face and loved visiting with people. He loved spending time with family and friends. Norm was full of joy and had the most positive attitude. He was a member of the Tri-Valley Barbershop Chorus for many years. Norm had a heart for children and volunteered his time with the Big Friend Little Friend organization. He was very active at Calvary Baptist Church in Yankton for over 60 years, serving in many capacities, but his heart was in children’s ministry. He never tired of teaching Sunday School and working with Awana. His joy and his love for the Lord was infectious and he will be greatly missed.
Norman is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Joseph) Mason of Yankton; sister, Janice Richardson of Frankfort, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ethel on February 11, 2021; brother, Richard Campbell; sisters, Janet Pillion, Chloris Mekons, and Anne Cassady; and an infant sister, Avis Campbell.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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