Norma Lynn Knobel Hunt is known for her grace, kindness and vivacity. Her extraordinary life began in Greenville, Texas on March 28, 1938. Norma Lynn Knobel Hunt was the sole child of Edward Knobel, Loretta Knobel, and their six children. She excelled both academically and in athletics from an early age. She graduated from Richardson High School and left an imprint on its basketball courts and drill squads.
Academic Progress
Norma, who graduated with distinction from North Texas State University in 1960, continued her education through the Chi Omega sorority presidency and received various awards such as Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She was awarded a Rotary Club Fellowship abroad, which took her to Dublin where she studied further.
Norma’s passion for sports and entrepreneurship took a new turn when she met Lamar Hunt in 1963. Lamar Hunt’s admiration for Norma’s lively personality, combined with their shared love of sports, led to an instant romance. An exciting series of football matches called “fippleheader” further cemented the relationship.
Wedding Bells and New Ventures The wedding of Norma and Lamar on January 22, 1964 was a celebration of their love and their shared interests. Their attendance at the Winter Olympic Games held in Innsbruck, Austria as their wedding celebration, is an example. Lamar also made history when he signed the American Football League TV right agreement, which would later merge with the NFL. His wife was there to support him during this exciting experience.
Influencing Sports
Norma’s influence on sports went beyond her role as Lamar’s companion. She unknowingly played a role in shaping the name of this sport by giving Super Ball toys to Lamar’s kids as Christmas gifts from 1965. Their ventures also included investments in North American Soccer League teams such as Chicago Bulls, Dallas Tornado, and North American Soccer League Franchises, World Championship Tennis Tournaments, and founding investments in Chicago Bulls franchises of the USSL league. Lamar also contributed to the World Championship Tennis tournaments.
Cultural Contributions
Norma and Lamar loved collecting antiques and fine arts. They amassed an impressive collection of Thomas Moran’s works, among others. As generous donors, they also helped to raise the profile of the Dallas Museum of Art by purchasing Fredric Edward Church’s “The Icebergs Gift Program”, in 1979. This purchase alone was a significant boost to its visibility that year.
Vineyard Ventures Norma’s passion for viticulture began in her childhood. She purchased the Bidwell Creek Vineyard, located in Knight’s Valley in California, in 2000, to produce cabernet sauvignon wines of world-class quality. Her creativity and dedication in winemaking was evident when Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate magazine awarded her “Perfect Season”, a 2012 vintage wine, near-perfect scores.
Family First
Norma’s greatest accomplishment was being a mother and grandmother to Clark, Daniel, and their children. They called her Mimi. She enjoyed being a part of their lives, and helping them in their endeavors. This included attending each Super Bowl with Lamar.
Norma Lynn Knobel Hunt is remembered for her remarkable achievements, dedication and love. Her legacy will continue to live in the memories and hearts of many. Since her death on 4 June 20,23, her family, friends and those who she touched have continued to remember her legacy fondly. Clark and Daniel are her only sons, while Edward Knobel III, (Amy Knobel), remains with us, along with many cherished grandkids. Faith remains at the heart of everything she accomplished, offering comfort for grief in losing such an important person from their lives.
Norma is a person who embodies kindness, warmth and determination. Her legacy will inspire those who knew and love her, while sharing her story with new audiences. Norma’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and share her life story with new audiences.
