Norma Jean Stene was born August 14, 1930 in Merrill, Iowa to Elmer and Ruth (Eberhard) Wetrosky.  She died February 3, 2026 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 95 years, five months and 19 days.

The family moved to South Dakota on 1938. She was raised on the family farm near Alcester, SD. Norma graduated from Alcester High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen and a member of All State choir. She married John Jack Stene on February 18, 1951 at Roseni Lutheran Church.

Norma was an active member of Roseni Lutheran Church. She served as the first female Deacon and worked with the Ladies Aid.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack Stene; son, David Stene; four brothers, Dwight, Clinton, Lowell and Don Wetrosky; and two sisters, Verda Akland and Irene Fickbohm.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her two sons, Michael (Patti) Stene of Shawnee, KS and James (Mary) Stene of Lenexa, KS; daughter-in-law, Deb Stene of Sioux Falls; eight grandchildren, Stacy Wofford, Derek Stene, Shawn Stene, Carly Bullinger, Dalton Stene, Delane Stene, Dalee Stene and Dani Stene; nine great-grandchildren, Luke Bullinger, Justin Bullinger, Wyatt Bullinger, Jack Bullinger, Piper Stene, Parker Stene and Dean Stene, Gavin Slater and Savanna Wofford, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Norma will be 10AM Friday, February 6, 2026 at Roseni Lutheran Church, 47214 307th Street, Beresford, SD 57004. Visitation will be 5-7PM Thursday, Feb. 5th at Wass Funeral Home, 301 N 3rd Street, Beresford, SD.