Norma, age 92, a resident of Country Meadow Place, died Friday, May 3, 2024, at the IOOF Home.
A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday May 11, 2024 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church,428 W Walnut St, Manly, Iowa with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the church. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.
Family suggests that Memorials be directed to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, Iowa.
Norma’s life began on July 6, 1931 when she was born to Manley Anderson and Olive (Moretz) Anderson. She grew up on a farm east of Manly and spent her entire life in the comfort of the Worth County area. Her many sisters and brother gave her the stability and family life that shaped her into a truly unique and genuine person. She attended area country schools during her childhood and then Manly High School. Norma met her true love and began her married life with Glen Streich on August 19th, 1949. They married at English Lutheran Church in Manly and made their home northeast of town in a newly built home they constructed themselves. They were welcomed with the love of three children, Debra, Steven and Suzanne. Norma took great pride in making the home a special place for everyone. Glen passed away in 1974. When her kids were grown she moved to Manly in 1980 and began another chapter in her life.
Norma worked at Oltman’s Grocery for thirty years and retired in 1996. Keeping busy with family and friends, she was always available for any function that needed her. Taking part in many community events made Norma a very well known and very liked citizen. Norma’s passions were entertaining family and friends, keeping a spotless home (inside and out), cooking, keeping fit and spreading as much of her smile around as she could. After a few years of retirement Norma thought that being a part of the working world again is where she needed to be. She accepted a position at Walmart in Mason City working part time as a Greeter. With her friendly style and personality she became a favorite of the staff and the customers. Her job kept her mind active and her body healthy. After a few years however, Norma decided to retire for good, much to the disappointment of her friends at Walmart.
Church was also important to Norma as she was part of Altar Guild and took part in its many events lending a helping hand. Traveling around the Midwest and the occasional longer trip never ceased to amaze her. She loved seeing how others lived and the scenery of distant places. Much to Norma’s delight, her son (Steven) purchased a second home in Florida. This good fortune allowed her to spend time in another state. She made many trips to the warm state over her life, sometimes on her own and other times with family members. She had a fear of water and flying, but as time passed she became more comfortable with each. Norma even splashed in the warm gulf waters on occasion.
Always up for a trip to Minneapolis, Norma would jump in the car and make the trip to visit two of her kids. Shopping with Suzanne was a favorite pastime. It was their special time. She amazed her family and friends with her fearless ability to navigate the roads of the busy city.
Frequent moves, of her children over the years, didn’t keep this loving mother from her road trips. Thousands of miles were logged in over the years on the roads to and from Minnesota. We can only imagine the pleasure she must have enjoyed on those trips and the smile on her face as she drove back to Iowa recalling the new memories she had just experienced.
Norma also cherished visiting “the farm”. The place where everything important took place. She was at home there, and seeing its transformation over the years made her very happy. Debbie and her family brought the homestead back to life and made it a showplace of perfection. Something Norma could be proud of and relate to.
Norma will be remembered for her vibrant personality and giving style. Everyone that knew Norma was touched by her love, charm and generosity. She was indeed blessed but she would tell you that her family was by far the most cherished element of her life. Helping her children grow into success stories of their own had no comparison. Norma would give anything to ensure that everyone in her family was happy and nothing gave her greater pleasure.
Those left to cherish memories of Norma are children, Debra (Dean) Hendrikson, Manly, Suzanne (Joe) Streich- Pearson, Florida, and Steven Streich, Florida; grandchildren, Jason (Jody) Hackbart, Grafton, Veronica Ritland, Zearing, Iowa, Aaron Hendrikson, Manly and Cassandra Pearson of San Diego, California; great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Ryan Hackbart, Elizabeth, Grace and Katelyn Ritland, Aspen and Dean Hendrikson; brother, Millard Anderson, Sheldon; sister, Charlotte Cobeen, St. Ansgar; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Norma is preceded in death by husband, Glen Streich, parents Manley and Olive Anderson, in-laws Herbert and Alvina Streich; sisters and brother in-laws, Dealda (Obert) Stromley, Arlene (Leo) Martie, Velma
Donald) Roberts, and Joy (LaVern) Warner; nieces, Diane (Martie) Hanson, and Lori (Hurd) Patterson; Nephew, Ron Roberts; and grandson-in-law, Chad Ritland.
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