Norma Hiemstra

Norma was born in the small town of Lacey, Iowa. She was the daughter of Emmett and Caroline ( Engle) Franklin. She and her two brothers lived on a small farm outside of Oskaloosa, Iowa. She attended Oskaloosa High School, where she was a member of the band playing the clarinet and also enjoyed softball. She was involved in many other activities, including the church youth group and was active in the 4H, often showing large farm animals. It was during a roller skating youth outing where she met the love of her life and soon to be husband of 77 years, John Elmer Hiemstra.

The love story of their meeting was told over many times and was special to them both. She was spotted by John from across the rink. He thought she was the loveliest girl he had ever seen. He approached her and asked her to skate. They were never separated from that night. A few years later they were married on August 20, 1948, at the age of 19.

Together they had four children, all daughters: Carol Ann, Ruth Ellen, Jean Elizabeth and Nancy Lucille. The girls were born within a five-year span which kept her very busy, to say the least. She was a committed and devoted mother to her children and was always involved in all aspects of their lives. While Norma kept busy with her children, she also supported her husband during his ambitious career choices.

Her husband followed his passion to become a minister. Which soon brought her and the family to the East Coast. They first settled in Bergen County, New Jersey. It was there that Norma decided to go to college and graduated Valedictorian with a degree as a Registered Nurse. When all the children had moved out of the home, she and her husband moved to Rockland County, New York.

Norma was very active in all the communities in which she lived. She was active in the church and headed up a home-bound organization which delivered tapes of sermons to hundreds of homebound members. Norma continued to support her husband as he continued to serve the church as an Executive to the Reformed Church of America. She worked alongside him on many crucial projects including writing and editing numerous documents, newsletters and reports. Every year Norma would send out the annual Christmas card which went out to over 1000 people.

While living in New York, Norma’s mother Caroline Franklin moved in with her. She lived there for ten years before her passing. She was her mother’s sole caregiver. During this time, they traveled together and on one of their journeys they purchased seasonal Amtrak Tickets and they visited friends and family across the country. Norma was a special lady, and no task was too great. Her gifts were endless.

As her daughters we continue to remember our special mom and all that she did. She was a strong, devoted, passionate, funny, clever, witty and wonderful woman. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. Norma lives forever in our hearts.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents: Emmett B Franklin and Caroline Engle Franklin. Brothers Max Franklin, Leonard Franklin and infant brother James. Daughters Carol A.Hiemstra Snook, Jean E. Hiemstra Euler and her husband Peter Euler.

Norma is survived by her husband John E Hiemstra. Daughters: Ruth Schaefer Gosdick and husband Paul Gosdick, Nancy Cook and husband Peter. Son in-law Dean Snook. Grandchildren: John Snook and wife Autumn, Jacquelyn (Snook) Hoffmann and husband Chris, Shawn Lawson and wife Kate, Andrew Schaefer, David Lawson, Timothy Schaefer and wife Prayosha, Anna Cook-VandeSande and husband Sam. Great Grandchildren: Bradley Hoffmann, Brooke Hoffmann, Bryce Hoffmann, William Lawson and George Lawson.

Services will be on Saturday May 10, 2025 at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Viewing/Visitation at 10:30 AM and the Funeral service at 11:30 a.m with pastor Jon Nelson officiating.

Norma’s final resting place will be at the Evergreen Cemetery, Leighton Iowa, following the service in Oskaloosa.