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Norma E. Juhl, 99, of Storm Lake peacefully entered heaven on April 4, 2025, at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will take place Monday, April 28, at 11:30 a.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. A recording of the service will be posted on Norma’s webpage following the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Private family burial will be held in Storm Lake Cemetery.
Norma was always an Iowa girl and lived a good long active life in the state that she loved. Her longevity meant being able to witness much family growth, and the building of a strong multi-generational bond with all her children and grandchildren which was the most important part of her life. Her impact now lives on beyond the boundaries of Iowa. Norma was loved by many far and wide which kept her going for nearly a century.
Norma Elizabeth (Buhr) Juhl was born on a farm in Sumner on July 13, 1925, as one of six children to Martha and August Buhr; sisters Helen (Schultz), Stella (Dillemuth), Marian (Gibbs), Carol (Snyder) and brother Allen “Bud” Buhr. Norma graduated from Sumner High School in 1943 and then taught in the rural school system there for three years.
Norma met Lester Juhl at a dance while they were both active in 4-H and married the love of her life on July 22, 1945. Together they raised their three daughters: Jane (Greg) Evans, Patricia (Tom) Jensen and Cynthia (Dan) Johnston. Norma was a farmer's wife for 14 years until they moved off the farm to Waverly, then Emmetsburg and eventually to Storm Lake, where Lester continued his insurance and real-estate career until he passed away in 2012.
Norma loved to get involved with many church and community activities. She was a member of a coffee club that lasted 50 years and also a 50-year member of P.E.O. Norma and Lester actively participated as members of St. Mark Lutheran Church of Storm Lake, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir for 30 years. She worked at Nomad Travel in Storm Lake for 17 years and was able to visit all 50 states. Friendship mattered to Norma. She had many friends that loved her. Those who came to help her after Lester passed soon even became her friends.
Lester and Norma embraced life in Storm Lake spending their time together in that community living at the big red house for 44 years and then to Shoreway Drive which they affectionately called “home sweet home.” Norma was most proud of her family. She belonged to multiple bridge clubs, loved entertaining in her home especially ready to serve homemade pies or cookies. Her door was always open for those who came to visit.
Norma is survived by her sister Carol of Sumner; two daughters: Patricia of Gold River, Calif.; and Cynthia of Marble Falls, Texas; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who all called her “Gramie;” and brother-in-law, Arnold Juhl.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Lester in 2012, and her daughter Jane in 2024.
