Norma Rae (Henrichs) Klingbeil, 85

Norma Rae (Henrichs) Klingbeil, born September 20, 1939, passed away peacefully at Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, Iowa, on June 16, 2025, surrounded by family. She was 85 years old.

Norma was born to Henry G. and Claretta M. (Folken) Henrichs. She was baptized and confirmed in St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, Iowa. She attended Allison school and graduated in 1957. 

In 1958, she married the love of her life, William “Jerry” Klingbeil. Including their years of dating, they shared an extraordinary 72 years together. Norma and Jerry went on to have four children.

Throughout her professional life, Norma dedicated herself to a variety of roles. She served in the Butler County Social Welfare Office and later Allison-Bristow Schools, Century Companies of America, and Koehring Cranes & Excavators. In the later years of her career, she and Jerry worked side by side managing the Super 8 Motel in Waverly, Iowa, and later, the Thunder Ridge Apartments in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She officially retired in 2005.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Norma lived a life of faith in Jesus. She taught Sunday school for more than 40 years, and in retirement, she enjoyed teaching adult Bible classes. She was a member of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) for many years and served in leadership roles. Norma was gifted with a beautiful singing voice. She was an active member of church choirs and served as choir director for several years.

Norma gave generously of her time and talents in the community as well. She was an active member of the Allison Women’s Club and Community Club. She participated in the Shell Rock Swing Show and the Allison Community Easter Cantata. For many years, she was a member of the Birthday Bridge Club and the Allison Bridge Marathon, where she built lasting friendships.

Norma is survived by her husband, Jerry, and their three children, Wayde (Diane) Klingbeil of Gilbert, Iowa, Julie (Steve) Miller of North Liberty, Iowa, and Jana (Thomas) Dohman of Waukee, Iowa; grandchildren, Tyler (Brooke), Katie (Mack), Megan (Michael), Ella and Alia; and sister, Luonna Folkers of Humboldt, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her son, Troy Klingbeil; her parents, Henry G. and Claretta Henrichs; her brother, Warren Henrichs; and her sister, Joann Reiter.

Funeral service will be held on June 20, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison with Rev. Norman Lee Bauer presiding. Burial will follow in the Allsion Cemetery. The visit will be held on Thursday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and also an hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. James Lutheran Church and online condolences left atwww.kasiercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Waverly is assisting the Klingbeil family.  319-352-1187