Norma Ruth (Semmler) Bietz, age 78, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013 in Avera Queen of Peace Hospital at Mitchell from a stroke. Funeral service was Saturday, Nov. 2 in Trinity Lutheran Church at Mitchell with burial at Parkston Protestant Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Will Funeral Home.
Norma Semmler was born June 16, 1935 in Delmont. She was baptized into the Christian faith as an infant and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church at Delmont.
Norma was married to Harold Bietz on June 16, 1954. They made their home on a farm north of Delmont until 1966 when they moved to Mitchell where they have lived ever since.
Norma graduated from college in Springfield and later received her master’s degree in education from Northern State College at Aberdeen. She retired from teaching after 35 years of service to young people whom she really enjoyed.
She was very active  at Trinity Lutheran Church, was a member of AUW, Mitchell Area Retired Teachers’ Association and volunteered at the Area Safe House and Hospitality House. Norma was known for her support of community outreach and hospitality and had a warm and welcoming spirit to everyone she knew.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Bietz, Mitchell; four children, Deborah (Garry) Ambagis, Yuba City, Calif., Curtis (Debbie) Bietz, Rapid City, Beverly (Doug) Yogel, Harrisburg, and Alden Bietz, Sioux Falls; siblings, Margaret Semmler, Tripp, Melvin (Lolly) Semmler, Rapid City, Silvia (Dennis) Kunz, Armour, Clinton (Sheri) Semmler, Rapid City, Sandra (Ronnie) Ruml, Letcher; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be directed to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.