Glenda Kaelberer

Glenda Gladys Kaelberer, 91, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem on August 29, 2026. Glenda was a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by hard work, kindness and a deep appreciation for the simple beauties in life.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Salem United Church of Christ in New Salem. Burial will follow in the Bethel Cemetery, south of New Salem.

Visitation will be held from 6:30-8:00 PM on Thursday, September 3, at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Born on October 12, 1934, Glenda was daughter to William and Martha (Westmeyer) Norton. Glenda grew up on the family farm south of New Salem, later marrying Kenneth Kaelberer on October 24, 1952. She and Kenneth raised their two children Claye and Merry on the family farm. Glenda was a devoted homemaker who created a warm, welcoming home for those she loved. She was well-known as the family historian, keeping thousands of photos, records and memories of her immediate and extended family.

In the 1960s, Glenda worked alongside her husband in the coal mine, a reflection of her strength and hard-working spirit. Glenda later supported the secretary work and bookkeeping of the Ken-Del Construction business.

Glenda was incredibly gifted with a creative heart. She was an artist and crafter who found joy in making beautiful things with her hands. She spent many weekends at craft shows, where countless people were blessed by her work. She loved gardening and flowers, and her home and yard reflected that love with color, care and beauty. Collecting angels brought her comfort and happiness and became a meaningful part of her life.

Glenda devoted her love not only to her family, but also to her church and community through decades of faithful service. She was an active member of Bethel United Church of Christ, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, choir member, and helped select anthems for the Sunday Services. She also was active in Women’s Guild, serving as secretary-treasurer, and also service as secretary-treasurer for the Missouri Valley Association of the United Church of Christ in Western ND. After Bethel closed, she became a member of Salem UCC. Her commitment to community extended far beyond the church, including service on the Morton County Fair Board, the Auditorium Improvement Committee, and she notably became the first female to serve on the Morton County Zoning and Planning Commission. She was also active in the Area Art Association, serving as president, participating in local art shows, and teaching art classes in New Salem Schools. Glenda also devoted her time as Assistant Librarian on the Morton County Bookmobile. Her many memberships and leadership roles- including Sunnyside Homemakers, New Salem Music Boosters, New Salem Women’s Fellowship, Women’s Life, and the New Salem Pioneer Club- reflected a life rooted in generosity, civic involvement, and a deep love for the people and places she called home.

Love of her family was Glenda’s greatest priority. She treasured time spent with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Glenda spent each summer helping her grandkids make projects to enter in the county fair- special time spent crafting, painting, and snacking on her famous baked goodies-time they will never forget.

Glenda is survived by her loving children, son, Claye (Michelle) Kaelberer, New Salem and daughter, Merry Hoff, New Salem. Grandchildren, DeEll (Russ) Jordre, Dickinson, Dustin (Jenna) Hoff, New Town, Delton (Jacque) Hoff, Groton, SD, Danelle (Matt) Dahlke, Mandan, Lindsey (Austin) John, New Salem, Brittany (David) Rau, New Salem, Conner Kaelberer, New Salem. Great Grand Children-Riley John, Macy John, Brantley John, Kasen Jordre, Cooper Jordre, Adalynn Rau, Trenton Rau, Emilynn Rau, Cartwright Hoff, Caymberlin Hoff, Cora Dahlke, Carol Dahlke, Hankinson Hoff, and Rudy Hoff, Sister Marlene Bethke, and many nieces and nephews.

Glenda is preceded in death by Husband of 60 years, Kenneth Kaelberer who passed in 2013. Brother, Myron Norton, Sister-in-law, Mabel Norton, Great granddaughter, Kenley Jordre, Parents William and Martha Norton, Kenneth’s parents Fritz and Wilma Kaelberer, Brother-in-law, Roger Bethke, Brother-in-law, Delbert and Irene Kaelberer, Niece, Kim Bitterman.