Norma Rosonke age 80 of New Hampton, IA died Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Hampton with Jarod Juhl, Adam Juhl, Kyle Juhl, Ethan Rosonke, Alex Krawza, Matthew Rosonke, Brayden Rosonke and Bryson Rosonke serving as pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church.
Norma was born on April 23, 1944, in New Hampton, Iowa. Norma was the youngest of five children of Erwin and Alice (Kelly) Burke. Her childhood was filled with the joy of close-knit family bonds, a love for the outdoors, and many happy memories in New Hampton.
Norma attended New Hampton Schools and was a proud member of the New Hampton High School Class of 1962. Her life changed forever at her sister’s wedding dance when she met the love of her life, Leonard Rosonke. They were married on June 27, 1964, and together they raised six wonderful children, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments.
Norma’s love for children extended beyond her own family. She started an in-home daycare, creating a nurturing environment where many children were cared for and loved. The daily “lunch chaos” was a joyful noise in her home, often followed by a phone call from Leonard, checking in to share a moment of peace amidst the busy day.
After her daycare years, Norma found another calling at the local school, first helping in the lunchroom and eventually becoming the head cook. She took great pride in planning menus and ensuring that every meal was made with care and affection.
Outside of her work, Norma was known for her love of playing cards, a cherished Rosonke family tradition. She also had a beautiful collection of angel figurines and delighted in baking Christmas cookies, a sweet legacy she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She also made the best apple pies. Her generosity extended to her neighbors as well; she often took communion to those who couldn’t attend church and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Norma was a pillar of her community and found joy in her coffee clubs, whether at her mom’s house, McDonald’s, the school, or the community center. Even after her mother passed, her siblings and her took turns hosting to carry on this tradition. These gatherings were filled with lively conversations and the comfort of a hot cup of coffee. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a lifelong member of the Holy Family Parish.
Norma’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, boundless love, and a dedication to family and community.
She is survived by six children, Kelvin (Sandy) Rosonke of Lake Orion, MI, Julie (Kelly) Juhl of Harlan, IA, Paula (Donny Svoboda) Nelsestuen of Rochester, MN, Allen (Nicole) Rosonke of New Hampton, Rana (Ken) Krawza of Prior Lake, MN, Brian (Lacy Carolan) Rosonke of New Hampton; 19 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Wegner of New Hampton, Doris (Cletus) Ries of New Hampton; brother-in-law, John (Mary) Rosonke of New Hampton; sisters-in-law, Lavonne Rosonke of New Hampton, June Rosonke of New Hampton, Agnes Kramer of Woden, IA, Jean Tilkes of New Hampton, Eleanore (Cletus) Schwickerath of New Hampton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leonard Rosonke in 2019; one brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Mary Lee) Burke; one sister and brother-in-law, Elaine (Greg) Tilkes; five brothers-in-law, Sylvester Wegner, Charlie Kramer, Norbert Rosonke, Francis Rosonke, Nick Tilkes.
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