Remembering Windy: Friends gather to honor late Minnesota veteran

ERHARD, Minn. — Dozens came together in Erhard, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, for Norris Ferm's 100th birthday. The twist? Norris died four years ago. Chili on the stove, bacon on the grill. Bryan "Sumo" Stetz is busy at work at Ye Olde Schoolhouse, in honor of an old friend, veteran and the definition of a regular, Norris Ferm. "When did you realize he was a regular?" a reporter asked. "Fifth day in a row he came in," Stetz said. Monday, Oct. 26, would have been Ferm's 100th birthday. Stetz says what better way to celebrate than dozens of free meals, busing in veterans and bringing in family and friends. Veterans gather for free meals at Ye Olde Schoolhouse in Erhard, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, honoring what would have been Norris Ferm s 100th birthday. Ryan McNamara / WDAY His memories and tall tales passed around the tables. "He'd give you a shirt off your back," said Craig Ripley, a friend of "Windy." Ferm's