Norma Jeanne Otterpohl, the daughter of Charles and Mildred Volz was born on Oct. 16, 1928, in Shawnee Mission, Kan. During High School, her family moved to a farm in Glenwood and after graduation she attended business school in Omaha. She then worked at several businesses including the Omaha World Herald. She married Edward Otterpohl on Oct. 19, 1948, in Pacific Junction. They moved to Lindsay, Neb. where they farmed with Ed’s parents. In 1952, they moved to a farm outside of Missouri Valley where they raised their seven children. Edward passed away on March 14, 1994. Norma stayed on the farm for several years until moving to town in 2006. Years later, Norma moved in with her daughter (and son-in-law), Donna, for a year and then moved into the memory unit at Silver Ridge in Gretna, Neb. Norma was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley. There were always guarantees when visiting Norma. A kiss and hug, a small dog excitedly jumping at your feet, a fresh sponge cake hiding under a metal cake server, a pair of handmade rocking chairs waiting for company, and a stroll through the flower beds and gardens. Norma worked tirelessly in her garden, yard, and on the farm. She spent countless hours each year canning the harvests from her gardens. She loved baking, sewing gifts and making hand-written birthday cards for her grandchildren and family. Although the years passed and Norma’s memory faded, her contagious laugh, love for her family, faith in God, and her sweet tooth always remained constant. Norma’s legacy will forever remain in our hearts and minds as stories are told about “Grandma’s house on the farm.”
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Otterpohl; her parents, Charles & Mildred Volz; one grandchild, Amberly Yannatone; brothers, Robert Volz and Richard Volz.
Norma will be lovingly remembered by her seven children, Charlie (Parma) Otterpohl, Linda (Don) Einerson, Anne (Dick) Audas, Mary (Jim) Schechinger, Michael (Candi) Otterpohl, Donna (Dan) Ring, Gary (Karen) Otterpohl; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray (Jerry) Volz; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021 until time of service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley.
Family would like memorials to be made out to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley.
Final Resting Place is at St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Honey Creek.
Arrangements by Hennessey Funeral Home. www.hennesseyonline.com
