Norma Joyce Firkins, age 88, of Washburn, WI and formerly of Alta Vista, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. She was born October 10, 1924 in Sheldon, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert Otto & Ida (Harms) Saupe.
Norma graduated from Archer Consolidated High School in Archer, Iowa in 1942 and later graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, with a BS degree in Dietetics in 1946. She married George Firkins on June 16, 1946. Norma had a lifelong interest in music and often accompanied high school students with their instrumental solos. For nearly 50 years she was the church organist for five different churches while they lived in Iowa and Illinois. In 1972, Norma began oil and watercolor painting and later taught oil painting. She also enjoyed being a homemaker, bird watching and she always had a beautiful flower garden. She even won several awards for both her flowers and her oil paintings.
She is survived by a daughter, Carol (Tim) Kane – Washburn, a son, George (Sherry) Firkins – Westlake Village, Calif., 2 granddaughters, Katherine and Christine Firkins, a sister, Donna (Carl) Struve- Sheldon, IA, a brother, Paul (Betsy) Saupe – Solon, IA, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Randall Firkins, a sister, Carol and a brother, Donald.
A memorial service will be held 1:30 PM, Sunday, November 4, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, 309 Harriman Ave. Archer, IA. Pastor Cory Flanigan will officiate.
The Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista, IA or to your local food pantry.
To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at www.bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
