Norma D. Loken, age 77, of Dahlen, ND, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND.

Norma Darlene Sundeen was born May 17, 1932 on a farm near Brocket, ND, the daughter of Victor and Irene (Lovejoy) Sundeen. She married Merlen Loken on July 7, 1952. They started their married life working on road construction, traveling from job to job. This continued until their sons were old enough to attend school. At this time they moved back to the family farm near Dahlen. Norma worked very hard and sacrificed many things for the family and the farm. In 1971 she purchased the Dahlen Café and moved into town. There she worked even harder and longer to make it work. She really enjoyed her customers, even though she gave them a hard time, to which they did in return. She was well known for her cooking. People came from a long way for her food and feistiness. She had a heart of gold and will be missed in the community very much. There is a big, empty spot in the little town of Dahlen without Norma and her café. Norma's husband, Merlen, passed away on December 13, 1987. Norma's love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was bountiful. Family get-togethers (which she always cooked at) were her special times with family.

Norma is survived by her sons, Merlen (Kandace) Loken, Arvilla, ND, and Steven (Sandie) Loken, Rathdrum, ID; 6 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 1 brother, Bernard (Cel) Sundeen, Cleveland, ND; 3 sisters, June Sundeen and Jackie Sparks, Tucson, AZ, and Judy (Pat) Gamache, Mesa, AZ; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Norman; and 2 sisters, LuWanna and Irma.

Norma's Funeral Service will be held at Quale Lutheran Church, rural Dahlen, on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Erika Foss. The organist will be Marlys Hoverson and the soloist will be Mary Ralston. Interment will be in the spring at the Quale Church Cemetery. The casketbearers will be Kent Ralston, Marlin Dahlen, Dennis Gutting, Eric Ralston, Albin Jallo, and Merlin Linstad. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Monday, February 1 st beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.