September 25, 1932 ~ December 2, 2025
Norman Francis Scheidel, 93, of Schley, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, after a brief stay at Evan’s Senior Living Community with family members by his side.
Norman was born on September 25, 1932, with his twin sister, Norma, to Rudy and Angeline (Barnes) Scheidel in Calmar, Iowa. He lived with family in rural Ossian and Calmar, Iowa until January 1, 1936 when the family moved to a farm in Schley, Iowa. He attended country school at Paris #8 through the eighth grade. He then started farming alongside his father, milking cattle and raising cattle, pigs, chickens, along with growing corn, soybeans and oats.
Norman met the love of his life, Betty Ann Bader, at the Schley Holy Cross Church in the parking lot after Norman’s cousin Leon Johnsrud had introduced them. On September 25, 1956. Norman and Betty were married and moved into the farm homestead to farm along Rudy and Angeline.
In 1957, they welcomed their first son Lon. That following spring, Norman lost his right hand in a corn picker accident. After he recovered, he continued to pursue his passion of farming alongside his father. His injury never stopped him from doing or achieving anything. Even after the loss of Betty, he learned to cook, clean and do laundry on his own. And as many know, cooking was his therapy and he truly loved it and became good at it!
Norman loved his family deeply. In the early years, Sunday’s were always devoted to family and visits to relatives and friends. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and loved their visits. He truly enjoyed the trips he was able to join with his children and grandchildren.
He loved working the fields, milking cows, and raising livestock. Through the years, he would win many awards for his high corn and soybean yields which he was very proud of.
The family farm earned Century Farm status, which was an honor and privilege for the Scheidel Family Farm. It too brought Norman great pride.
His other love was fishing. The family would spend summer days fishing the creeks, rivers and lakes. His favorite would be the Boundary Waters of Minnesota where he and the family would venture many times. Norman and his buddies enjoyed many a big fish tale in the Boundary Waters year after year. And if you ever were to meet Norman at his home, he would show you his trophy wall of fish and his prize 48 pound Sturgeon. In other words, beyond beyond beyond big!!!
Through the years, Norman played on numerous Pool Leagues for the local bars, R&R’s and Bubba’s. Norman would often boast to his opponents, “How do you like being beat by a one handed man?”
Norman loved to play cards, and did so until his passing with the help of his friend Sylvester Mracek. They would make the weekly journey to Elma. Norman knew the exact amount he had won over the course of every week, every year. (to date 2025 was something like $282) He always said that playing cards kept his mind sharp and he loved mingling with people. Plus winning kept the cost of the drinks cheap.
He is survived by his children Lon Scheidel, Lynelle (Jim) Duncan, Lori Jo (Steve) Stuckey, Loren (Jen) Scheidel and Lynn (Becky) Scheidel. Grandchildren, Elizabeth Anderson, Dalton Scheidel, Wyatt Scheidel, Cameron Scheidel, Lauren Scheidel and Bella Scheidel and great granddaughter Ella Anderson. Along with honorary daughter, Pam Spindler and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death was the love of his life, wife, Betty Scheidel, his parents, Rudy and Angeline Scheidel, Parents in Law, Louis and Adela Bader; his daughter LuAnn; his twin sister, Norma and husband, Irven Reicks; brother, Dale Scheidel. His brothers and sisters in laws, Bob and Mary Bader, Ralph and Lavern Simmen, David and Donna Shores. His neice, DaRhonda Schatz, and Nephew, Jerry Bader.
Norman would always say “Everydays a great day and some days are just better than others.”
The family would like to thank the special care of Shannon Casper, who helped make Norman’s wish to stay at home possible.
And special thanks to the staff at Regional Health Services Hospital and Evans Hospice Care for their excellent care that they provided to Norman and his family during his short stay.
Memorial contributions in Norman’s memory can be made to Protivin Trinity Catholic School, or to the family to disperse amongst their charities. Memorials can be mailed to Lon Scheidel 14686 Robin Ave, Cresco IA 52136 or individual family members.
A service will be held in the spring at the family church and inurnment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Schley along with a celebration of life at Lon’s farm at Norman’s request. Details will be shared at a later date.
Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Cresco is assisting the family.
hindtfuneralhomes.com