Nesley, Norman Francis

Norman Francis Nesley, 88, a temporary resident of Westridge Care Center, Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, March 31, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, of complications from pneumonia. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, April 4, at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marion, by Pastor Dennis Johnson. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello.

Survivors include his wife, Janet; three children, Jonathan Nesley of Cedar Rapids, Jennifer Nesley of Cedar Rapids and Jill (Dean) Waterhouse of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Ryan, Nick, Nathan, Alissa, Kaylee and Emily; two brothers, Glen (Dorothy) Nesley of Coggon and Dean (Marcia) Nesley of Wauscott, Wis.; and two sisters, Johann (Charlie) May of Stone City and Patsy (Keith) Peyton of Coggon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace; daughter, Julie; and sister, Miriam Banowitz.

Norman was born Feb. 27, 1925, in Mount Vernon, Iowa, the son of John and Grace (Horak) Nesley. He graduated from Baxter High School in Baxter, Iowa. Norman married the love of his life, Janet Farmer at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Anamosa on June 2, 1963. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean War. Norman was a farmer until the age of 38, when he went to work for Rockwell Collins as an expediter. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Gordon, Wis., was a Mason, and attended Marion Milestones.

Norman was a fun-loving guy; he was outgoing, giving, hardworking and optimistic. He loved his wife and children, animals and enjoyed spending time at Riverside Casino. Norman lived life to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Norman's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Norman at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette April 2, 2013.