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Norma Jean Gerke, 84, of Newell died April 14, 2026, at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, April 24, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Norma Jean Newgard was born on Feb. 28, 1942, the daughter of Allen and Doris (Miller) Newgard. She was baptized as an infant at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids, where she was later confirmed in her faith.
Norma grew up in the Sioux Rapids area where she attended school and graduated from Cornell High School in 1959. Following her graduation, she began working at the bank in Sioux Rapids.
On April 12, 1964, Norma was united in marriage to Clifford Gerke at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids. Together, they were blessed with two children, Cheryl and Denny. While raising their family, Norma dedicated herself to her home and also helped on the farm.
In her younger years, Norma was actively involved in her church, assisting with Sunday School and Bible School. She was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church and participated in various church organizations. She also enjoyed fellowship through the Neighborhood Koffee Klatch and the Friends Card Club, where she remained a member for more than 50 years.
Norma later worked for Commercial Bank and the Credit Union in Storm Lake for several years.
She had a deep love for animals and an even greater love for her family. Norma was known for always having a drink and treats ready for visitors. She cherished time spent with her loved ones, including a special trip to Arizona for her 25th wedding anniversary and a memorable vacation to Hawaii. Family meant everything to her, especially attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.
Norma will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Cliff Gerke of Newell; children: Cheryl (Dan) Kerkhoff of Manning; Denny Gerke of Newell; grandchildren: Jason (Heather) Ripke of Adel; Derek (Shawna) Ripke of Adel; Sara (Jeremy) Croghan of Manning; Erin (Cole) Miller of Hampton; and Tanner Gerke of Newell; great-grandchildren: Tyson, Hayden, Weston, Ellie, Decker, Jackson, Garrett, Brody, Peyton and Karter; sister-in-law Fern (Jim) Bjorklund of Storm Lake; many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Doris Newgard; parents-in-law, Ewald and Alice Gerke; sisters, Delores (Elmer) Hogrefe and Janice (Marshall) Petersen; sister-in-law Maxine (Shorty) Lullmann; and brother-in-law Willard Gerke.
