Norbert "Norb" Ochs

Norbert Ochs died peacefully at Havenwood Care Center in Bemidji on August 21,2025. He was born May 13, 1931, in Springfield, MN to William A. and Anna (Struemke) Ochs. Following his formal education at St. Thomas University and 2 years of military service, Norbert was united in marriage to Rosemary Juenemann on August 22, 1959, at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springfield. The couple made their home in Walker, MN where Norbert served as the guidance counselor at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School until his retirement.  He was also intimately involved in the development of the speech program at WHA, and in the creation of the Good Citizen Scholarship Fund to support WHA High School graduates, which has provided over $500,000 in scholarships since its creation.

Norb was a dedicated husband and father.  He was active at St. Agnes Catholic Church, including serving on the committee which oversaw the building of the new church.  Norb and Rosie both loved dogs and in addition to caring for their own dog, Snooks, they provided doggie day care for many neighboring dogs.  Most recently Norb enjoyed the company of his granddog, Willow.  Norb was known as a kind and compassionate man.  He will be deeply missed.

Norbert is survived by daughter Lorre Ochs and son Mike Ochs, both of Eden Prairie, MN, as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife Rosemary in 2024; stillborn daughter, Susan; his parents; brothers Leo, Vincent, Russell, and Gerard Ochs; sisters Delores Ochs and Annette Feirer; a sister in infancy; and long-time family friend Sophie Hillesheim Kral.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Walker.  Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Walker.  Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am on Wednesday at St. Agnes Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Good Citizens Scholarship Fund. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service (whisperingpinesnorth.com).

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