Norma Kierscht

     Norma Gene Kierscht was born in Brady, Nebraska, a small town of 400+ people. While in Brady, the family owned and operated the Barnes Cash Grocery Store. Due to the Depression, and too many IOU’s, the store had to close. After their time in Brady, the family then moved to North Platte, Lincoln, and then to Omaha. Norma’s father then turned to both a rough-in and finish carpenter. He would purchase, remodel, live in a house, and then sell it. One could say he was a house flipper long before it was popular. Norma went to 8 different grade schools because of her father’s occupation. The house she lived in the longest and remembers the most is the one her father built on Blondo Street. This allowed her to attend the Omaha Benson School system, where she graduated from Benson High in 1952. She met her future husband, Orville, on a blind double date. They married May 23, 1953 after Orville returned from serving in the army during the Korean War. They lived in the basement apartment of the Blondo home for one year and then in 1955 moved to a farmhouse 6 miles north of Missouri Valley, Iowa. There she lived for 64 years, and then in 2018 moved into a condo in town with her daughter joining her 3 months later.

     Orville and Norma joined a motorcycle club and had many enjoyable evenings traveling the Loess Hills and beyond. They toured as far as East to North Carolina and as far West to Yellowstone National Park along with Orville’s brother and wife. The Yellowstone trip was unforgettable since they had to navigate around the 1988 fires. Another couple activity that the two of them enjoyed was square dancing. They made many lifelong friends with the Circle 8 Dance club and also got plenty of exercise. Later in life, and when the farm off-season came around, the couple would hit the road, see the sights, and visit family and friends miles away. They even took a couple cruises. Norma was very much a farmer’s wife and helped Orville around the farm. She enjoyed working in her large flower and vegetable garden and kept the family supplied with canned and frozen goodies. As busy as that kept her she found time to get involved in community activities. To help her daughters develop positive learning experiences and skills, she was a co-leader of the Calhoun Sunshine Makers 4-H club for 10 years. Orville and Norma were members of the Farm Bureau where she also served as secretary. She was the first woman chairperson of the Harrison Extension Council. Norma was a long time member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a faithful helper and servant. After her daughters graduated, she took lessons to learn how to oil paint and was especially fond of landscapes. Four different years she was awarded “Favorite Artist” when her works were on display at the county fairs. Another pastime favorite of hers was needle work. She knitted, crocheted, and sewed quilts and much more. A couple of times her quilts won her “Best of Show” at the county fair. In the past 20-25 years Norma connected with several small local groups, including the Garden Club, several sewing/quilting groups, a library club, and a Thursday morning coffee get together. She continued to travel but with senior tour groups. Traveling to places including New York City, Washington DC, Alaska, and even watching the Rose Bowl Parade.

     Norma, died on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 92 years, nine months and 10 days, and was met in heaven by her husband, Orville; her son, Kyle; along with her parents, Lloyd and Rokie Barnes; two brothers, Lloyd Charles and Robert; and two sisters, Crystal Fern and Evelyn. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Kierscht of Missouri Valley and Linda Wollak (Tom) of North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Teresa Kierscht of Missouri Valley; grandchildren, Jordan Jackson (Marc Stowe) and Colby (Monica) Wollak all of North Carolina, Taylor (Devin) Mumm of Harlan, Iowa, David (Lura) Holst of Omaha, Emily Kierscht (Nick Haynes), and Madee Kierscht all from Missouri Valley; great grandchildren, Maxwell Wollak, Kole and Maren Mumm, and Mia and Calvin Holst.

     Norma’s family has been deeply affected by blood cancers. Her husband and youngest granddaughter were both diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In 2005 Orville passed away 3 months after receiving his diagnosis. Exactly 20 years later a healthy, vibrant Madee had to battle the disease, treatments, and a couple stays in ICU due to rare and multiple complications. She is quite the overcomer. To honor them and Norma, any memorial donations to the family will be directed to BloodCancerUnited.org