Norma Herbert

Rock Rapids, Iowa Norma Herbert, age 69 of Rock Rapids, IA died at her home in Rock Rapids on Friday, January 3, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 9th at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Father Douglas Klein and Deacon Jeff Gallagher officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 8th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. There will be a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Norma Jean Herbert was born November 9, 1944 in Crofton, Nebraska, the daughter of Laurel and Frieda (Dibbert) Hammerback. She was raised near Crofton and attended Swede Country School through the eighth grade. She graduated from Crofton High School in 1963. She continued her education at Wayne State University, majoring in math education and earning her Teaching Degree in 1967. Norma began her career teaching math in Rosalie, NE. She taught there for one school year, then moved to Rock Rapids, IA, where she taught junior high math at Central Lyon. On July 2, 1970 Norma was united in marriage to Thomas Herbert Jr. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton, NE. Norma and Tom made their home, on a farm northwest of Rock Rapids. In 1979, Norma left teaching in order to raise their children and help with the day-to-day operation of the family dairy farm. After raising their children, Norma worked at Farm Service Agency and Farmers Coop Exchange, both in Rock Rapids. She then began working at Total Card in Luverne, MN. Norma was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church where she was active in St. Catherines Society and taught catechism. She served on the board for the Lyon County Dairy Association. Norma was active in and supportive of 4-H and FFA through the involvement of their children. She was also named an Honorary Chapter Farmer of Central Lyon FFA. Norma enjoyed her life on the farm and loved preparing meals for family gatherings. She also enjoyed stamping, paper crafting and traveling to see her grandkids. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Norma is survived by her husband, Thomas Herbert Jr. of Rock Rapids; six children, Krista (Greg) Jochum of Salix, IA, Karen (Mark) Jorenby of Aurora, SD, TL (Rochelle) Herbert of Rock Rapids, Joni (Cy) Heisner of Mineral Point, WI, Jeanne (Ben) Hollingshead of Ogden, IA and Natalie (Billy) Kirch of Wyoming, MN; 19 grandchildren, Ryan, Madison, John, Taylor, Jacob, Thomas, Ashleigh, Clare, Brady, Emily, Mason, Garrett, Lily, Rachel, Luke, Aubrey, Clayton, Collin and Will; two sisters, Janice (Marv) Burbach of Lincoln, NE and Delores (Dave) Hames of Omaha, NE; two sisters-in-law, Sally (David) Poe of Gallup, NM and Mary Burgfechtel of Sioux City, IA and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents Laurel and Frieda Hammerback and her brother, John Hammerback.