Remembering Norma Madsen

CAER Food Shelf • January 9, 2025

Norma Madsen, a faithful long-term volunteer, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2024.

For over 40 years, Norma's name has been synonymous with CAER. Her journey began when CAER provided services out of the Elk River jail. She volunteered in one cell, and the other had to be kept open for potential ‘rule breakers.’ As CAER grew and moved locations, Norma remained an active volunteer serving CAER in a classroom, the Masonic Lodge, a building next to Ralphies, and its current location. 


At one of our board meetings, I can recall Norma sharing her experiences. She had a big smile and shook her head as she remembered all the friends she had made and people she had helped over the years. She truly felt blessed. 


If anyone has accessed CAER services, they likely knew Norma. She was a fun, happy person who loved working the checkout line, helping people, and packing food. “Norma was always kind, warm, respectful, funny, and caring,” said fellow board member Barb Brandt. “She always had a great smile and greeted everyone personally. She would chat with everyone, ask how they were doing, and encourage them during challenging times. Everyone loved her.” 


CAER Food Shelf’s vision that hunger is no longer a barrier to the health and well-being of our community was of the utmost importance to Norma. Not only serving as a volunteer helping clients, she also served on the CAER Board of Directors, providing insight and guidance for the entire board. As we started developing a 5-year strategic plan for the organization, she was instrumental in providing direction and recommendations based on her knowledge of the clients and staff. She always put clients' needs first and ensured the current board members understood the importance of CAER’s legacy. 

 

In 2023, Norma saw over 1 million pounds of food distributed, the largest amount on record. Over 9,000 visits were made to the food shelf during this time, highlighting that although we are not in a formal recession, many families have been impacted and are in need of CAER’s services. Norma was one of over 160 volunteers who graciously donated over 15,400 service hours this past year.   

As fellow board members, we will sincerely miss Norma's quick smile and wit. We loved her, just as the staff and clients did. Her legacy inspires all of us to do more – love, give, laugh, and volunteer our time to make a difference. 


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