Norman Gladwin Gfeller (2008)
GFELLER, LEHMAN, HEMMINGSON, CLARK
Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 1/13/2008 at 09:19:25
THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Sunday, January 13, 2008.
Norman Gladwin Gfeller, 87, died of complications from heart disease Friday, Jan. 11, while a patient at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. A devoted family man, Norman was married for 63 years to Stella Hemmingson Gfeller; he is also survived by his daughters, Ann Clark (Craig), of Minnesota and Thailand, and Kate Gfeller (Casey Cook), of Iowa City; three grandsons, William (Bi), Aaron (Tiffany) and Geoffrey (Kristin); and three great-grandchildren, Spencer, Faith and Benjamin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother; and one brother, Erwin.
Norman Gladwin Gfeller, the son of Walter and Eliza Lehman Gfeller and the stepson of Elsa Klingbeil Gfeller, was born and lived his life on a centennial farm outside of Alleman. He retired from active farming in 1985, but maintained his deep love of agriculture through fellowship with his nephew and niece, Kurt and Lynda Lehman, and their daughters. Until his last days, he continued to enjoy participation in and observation of the farming process whenever possible.
He was baptized, confirmed and maintained active lifetime membership at Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman. A true lover of music, he was a member of church and community choirs most of his life. He served on the church board, taught Sunday and Bible school and played the piano for church services. He shared his love of music with his daughters, both of whom are professional musicians.
He was also an active member of the Polk City Kiwanis, and just this year was honored as a lifetime member. He had been appointed by President Jimmy Carter as a liaison to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in service of the Agricultural Stabilization Committee within the state of Iowa. His other interests included HAM radio, which he pursued from the time he was 11 years old, when he passed his Morse Code radio test to receive an operating license.
For many years, he and Stella spent several weeks each summer in Ely, Minn., as well as winters in Mesa, Ariz. In recent months, the couple resided at the Ballard Creek Community in Huxley.
He requested that his body be donated to the University of Iowa Medical School.
A visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday Feb. 1, at Salem United Church of Christ. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Sat. Feb. 2, at the church. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Salem United Church of Christ, in Alleman, or to Ballard Creek Community in Huxley.
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements.
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