Klostermann, Norma J.

Norma J. Klostermann, 85, of Dyersville, died Thursday evening, July 5, 2012, surrounded by her family, at Oak Crest Manor. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, where a VFW/American Legion Auxiliary rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. and a parish vigil held at 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with a burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Norma was born Nov. 14, 1926, in Earlville, Iowa, the daughter of Ben and Amelia “Molly” (Wessels) Neuhaus. She graduated from Xavier High with the class of 1944. She went on to attend Clarke College and also Loras College. She began teaching at St. Francis School in rural Dyersville until 1946; she then taught at Sacred Heart School in Dubuque from 1960-1961 and moved on to St Francis Xavier, where she taught from 1961-1991.

Norma married Elmer “Lefty” Klostermann on April 6, 1948, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. During this time she worked at Lammers Hatchery as an egg candler and became active in the community.

Norma was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, was a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Mercy Silver Advantage (Auxiliary), American Association of Retired Persons, Order of Martha and had served as a Girl Scout leader. Norma was also the very first female council person in Dyersville.

Norma enjoyed volunteering as a hospital bingo aide at St. Francis Xavier and as a driver for those in need. She loved to bowl, play cards, oil paint, and spend time with her family.

Survivors include two children, Linda (Gary) Krogman of Dyersville and Keith (Donna) Klostermann of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Karie (Lee) Ostwinkle of Dyersville, Patrick (Karla) Krogman of Davenport, Stephanie (Scot) Mescher, Kurt (Madonna) Klostermann of DeWitt and Chad (Andrea) Klostermann of Wyoming, Minn.; and 10 great-grandchildren, Allison and Aaron Ostwinkle, Nathan, Benjamin and Isabella Krogman, Colleen, Regina and Marie Klostermann, and Kale and Lane Klostermann.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer, in 1973; two sisters, Verna Jordan and Helen Woerdehoff; and a brother, Gilbert Neuhaus.

The family would like to thank the staffs of the Ellen Kennedy Living Center, Oak Crest Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care of our mother these last few months.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com

Published July 9, 2012 in The Gazette