LICKISS, Norma H. (1932-2015)

LICKISS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 1/27/2016 at 18:34:23

Norma Henriette Lickiss
(July 31, 1932 - Oct 9, 2015)

Norma Henriette Lickiss, 83, of Indianola, IA passed from this life October 9, 2015, with her children by her side. She was born to the late Willi Ludwig and Frieda Matilda Behrens on July 30, 1932 in Douglas Township, Bremer County, Iowa and preceded in death by brothers Egon and Roy. Norma graduated from Arlington, Iowa High School in 1950 and attended Luther College. She married the late Merle Edwin Lickiss in 1951, living in the Iowa communities of Arlington and Harlan before settling in Indianola in 1957.
Norma’s life was decidedly split in two by a brain tumor that left her bedridden in 1990. The first half is perhaps the one less easily remembered as the years have passed except by those who knew her then. She was extremely adept at homemaking arts. A masterful seamstress she created nearly her entire wardrobe and most always that of her youngest children for Easter Sunday. From sewing draperies to selecting paint and furnishings, Norma’s sense of style made her decorator in chief for her mother, sister and many Indianola families. She was a devoted artist who worked in everything from paint to flowers. She greatly enjoyed several years’ work as a floral arranger, and a family trip to Canada was treasured for the landscape painting opportunity. Norma was masterful in the kitchen and was once featured in the Indianola Record Herald for her amazing arrays of Christmas cookies. With a strong sense of her German heritage, Norma created enormous amounts of impeccable gingerbread, krumkake and beautifully painted sugar cookies. From 1980-1990 she served the Indianola High School as a secretary and is widely remembered by students of that era. Her church, Redeemer Lutheran of Indianola was especially dear to her. She and Merle had formed the charter for it early in their young married lives. Their closest friends then were all from the Redeemer congregation.
In 1990 Norma, who had slowly experienced a diminishing sense of smell and had begun experiencing annoying occasional dizziness was discovered to have a brain tumor. The ensuing surgery went overlong and the outcome was far from ideal. Norma suffered a post-surgical stroke that left her paralyzed with only limited function of her left hand. Despite the prayers of so many, and the undying devotion of her husband and family, she would never regain mobility. Her spirit and mental faculty, though somewhat challenged to convey, remained as sage and valuable through her final hours. From her bed or wheelchair she was a beacon of hope, a model of perseverance, a true friend to many and a doting pride-filled grandmother. In the final weeks of her life she reflected with great joy over remembrances of the past. She shared recollections of her loving husband and the obligatory struggles and unexpected joys of a wonderful marriage. Related the pride of seeing three children through college, athletics, naval service, professional careers, marriages and blessed grandchildren. She shared her tremendous thanks for the many friends, nurses, staff members and residents who provided care or stopped in to read with her or share a story. Through it all Norma was thankful to have lived a life as well lived as possible.
Norma is survived by her loving children, Hugh (wife Nancy, children Kristin, Erik) Lickiss; Kurt (wife Denette, children Ingrid, Eagan, Minna) Lickiss; and Heidi (husband Robert Jr., children Bailey and Robert III) Kaas all of Indianola; her brother William Behrens, of Mesa, Az. and sister Marga Squires of Arlington, IA., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday October 15th from 4-8pm with family present from 6-8pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Indianola, Iowa. A celebration of life service will take place at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianola on Friday, October 16th at 10:30am. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Indianola. Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Good Shepherd Fund at the Village in Indianola, Iowa.
This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, [http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]