Kean, Norma Jean (Steffen)

Norma Jean (Steffen) Kean, 70, of Cascade, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, surrounded by family at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, at Reiff Funeral Home, 205 Hayes St. SW, Cascade, where a wake service will be held at 3 p.m. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade, with the Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Cascade.

Norma was born Feb. 26, 1941, in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Sylvester and Marie (Lehman) Steffen. Norma attended St. Mary's Catholic School.

She married Dale (Louie) Kean on April 11, 1959, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cascade. Norma worked at various area restaurants before retiring after 28 years from Western Dubuque Community Schools as manager of food services for Cascade High School.

Norma was a member of St. Matthias Parish. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandkids; trips to the casino; playing on her computer; and cooking and baking for others. Her goulash, turkey and dressing sandwiches, chili, sugar cookies and lemon bars were favorites of many.

Those left to honor her memory are her husband of 52 years, Dale “Louie” Kean of Cascade; two children, Sue (Loran) Rausch of Luxemburg and Jeff (Vicki) Kean of North Liberty; six grandchildren, Megan (Chris) McAllister of Dyersville, Adam Rausch of Luxemburg, Nick Kean, Mariah Reighard, McKenna Reighard and Ryan Reighard, all of North Liberty; two brothers, Lloyd (Jane Ann) Steffen of Dubuque and Loras (Wendy) Steffen of Coralville; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert Steffen; a sister, Lois Ann Scherbring; her mother- and father-in-law, Delores (McDermott) and Clyde Kean; and many other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, Norma's wishes are that memorials be given to Hospice of Dubuque or Camp Courageous.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sherry Kelchen, ARNP; Tammi Noonan, Dr. Christian P. Schultheis, MD FACP, the Medical Associates Oncology Department and the entire staff at Medical Associates.