Dr. Norma Jean Andersen
April 14, 1947 — June 4, 2025
Dr. Norma Jean Andersen, Ph.D. was born 14 April 1947, in Jackson, Wyo., and passed June 4, at Sanford hospital in Fargo, ND. Her parents Norman and Alice (Bondurant) Bleamer owned and worked their coal mine West of Pinedale, Wyo., in the Bridger National Forest. Norma Jean went to school in Pinedale. Norma Jean graduated from the University of Wyoming, with a degree in home economics. Years later she obtained both her master’s and Ph.D. at Colorado State University with a specialty in construction management in 1991. She taught construction management at Michigan State University, University of Florida and Minnesota State University Moorehead where she retired as full professor in 2019.
Teaching was always her passion. She of course always had a soft spot for the female students in construction but stayed connected with many of her former students. Norma Jean was a leader in national construction organizations, American Institute of Constructors and American Council for Construction Education, where she held several national officer positions, along with various committees.
Norma Jean loved to needle point, and various other sewing projects throughout the years. After retiring, she started quilting. She made many beautiful quilts, most of which she gave away to family and friends.
One thing everyone knew about her was the pride and joy she had for her boys’ accomplishments in life, and education, but some might say her greatest joy was seeing both her boys get married. Norma Jean was blessed with her first grandson, Master Colter Mathew Joseph Andersen, who was born on her birthday in 2025. Norma Jean also shared her birthday with her grandmother and great-niece.
She is survived by her husband of 50-plus years Kenneth Andersen, Ph.D.; her sons and their wives, Benjamin (Alyshia) Andersen, and grandson Colter, Dayton, Texas; and Mathew (Ana) Andersen, Blue Springs, Miss.
She is preceded in death by her parents Norman and Alice Bleamer and her brother Earnest Bleamer.
