Norman M. Jones, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and distinguished finance executive, passed away peacefully in his home on March 10, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, leadership, and love for his family. Born on August 28, 1930, in Fargo, North Dakota, Norman dedicated his life to faith, as well as his cherished family, and his professional pursuits. He also served his country honorably in the military during the Korean War, including time in the K-9 Corps and executive chef in the officers' dining hall.

Norman's greatest achievements were in his unwavering faith and his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He married his beloved wife, Eunice Skurdahl, on December 20, 1950, and they were happily married for 71 years. Together, they shared a life filled with faith, love, companionship, and mutual support. Above all, Norman and Eunice will be remembered for their incredible generosity and devotion to numerous charities. Giving and serving were very natural to them. They contributed immensely to their community, including giving their time and support to their church, Concordia College, Sanford Hospital, and many other charitable endeavors. In Eunice's later years, Norman insisted on caring for Eunice full-time with unwavering love and devotion, until she passed away on January 30, 2022.

Norman was not only a loving husband, but also a nurturing father to his children: Janet, Marietta (Mark), Mark (Nilou), and Steven (Dina), and a beloved brother to Mary Jones Olsen (Dave Loeks), and brother-in-law to Nancy Jones Schafer (Morrie Jones, Ed Schafer), and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Norman is predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Min Jones, and his siblings Morrie, Marlys, and Carol. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Blake (Kelsey), Rosha (Imran), Bobby (Tamaki), Sara (Bill), Janelle, Joshua, and his great-grandchildren: Lucas (16), Noah (10), Noor (5), Alice (3), and Daria (3 months), who carry forward his values of service, kindness, and generosity. Norman and Eunice helped put their grandchildren through college, Blake and Rosha through law school, and Sara through a Master's Degree in Education. Norman and Eunice also brought together their family for trips to Norway, Italy, Alaska, Hawaii, and of course, many trips back to Fargo and their beautiful lake cabin on Pelican Lake.

Norman embarked on a successful career that spanned over four decades, serving with commitment at Metropolitan Federal Bank from 1952 to 1983, which was started by his grandfather and father, Martin and Maurice Jones. Norman became the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Finance Corporation in Minneapolis from 1983 to 1994. Norman's involvement in the finance sector included serving on many boards, both before and after his retirement from Metropolitan, including the Board of Directors of First Bank System and acting as the Vice Chair of the Federal Home Loan Bank in Des Moines.

Throughout his career, Norman was recognized for his contributions and achievements, receiving numerous prestigious awards. These included the President's Award from Concordia College in 1973 and 1974, the Regent's Award in 1977, the Sole Dio Gloria Award in 1977, and the Martin Luther Award in 1989. He was honored as the Outstanding Business Leader by the North Dakota Business Foundation in 1978. Concordia College also awarded him an honorary doctorate degree.

Outside of his professional life, Norman embraced hobbies such as golf, snow skiing, hunting, tennis, and traveling, cherishing every moment spent with family and friends. As a young man, Norman became an expert at training dogs, and helped pay for college by training hunting dogs and selling them. When Norman later served in the Army, his expertise landed him in the U.S. Army K-9 Corp. Norman and Eunice also loved traveling. They traveled all around the world, including many special trips to Norway, where he maintained deep ties to his Norwegian family. Norman and Eunice were deeply rooted in their Norwegian traditions and took great joy in sharing their Norwegian heritage with others.

Norman M. Jones left a profound impact on all who knew him, serving as a beacon of faith, generosity, and love. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and in the countless lives he touched throughout his journey. His legacy embodies unwavering faith and dedication to his family, reminding us that true wealth lies in the love we share with one another.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00am, Friday, March 20, 2026 at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.

He will be deeply missed, but his love and values will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND