Norbert Johann
January 1, 1921 ~ May 25, 2010
Norbert Johann, age 89, of Alta Vista, IA, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at his home.
Norbert Louis Johann was born on January 1, 1921 on the family farm near Alta Vista, the son of Peter and Malinda (Joachim) Johann. He lived his formative years on farms in the Alta Vista, Elma, and New Hampton areas, graduating from Alta Vista High School in 1938. He began working in the Alta Vista State Bank in 1939 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Force in 1942. He left the Navy in 1943 when it closed its cadet air pilot program and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force where he received his honorable discharge in 1945. In 1949 he partnered with Arnold Hueneke in their H & J Hardware Store in Alta Vista. Norb was united in marriage to Lucille Bach on October 22, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista. In 1957 Norb sold his interest in the hardware store and moved his young family to Woodstock, IL where he was employed in the auto parts business. In 1962 they moved to Fort Myers, FL and worked in the egg business before moving back to Alta Vista in 1964. In 1965 he returned to Alta Vista State Bank, retiring in 1983 as a bank officer. Norb was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, New Hampton American Legion Fae Stine Post #38, and the Alta Vista Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service. He enjoyed his family, hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, playing pool, and woodworking.
Norb is survived by his wife, Lucille of Alta Vista; 4 children, Steven (Sheree) Johann of Littleton, CO, Wayne (Kim) Johann of Ankeny, IA, Debra (Brad Sage) Speirs of Des Moines, IA, and Peter Johann of Windsor Heights, IA; 5 grandchildren, Amanda and Allison Kirchhoff, Bryce Speirs, Jennifer and Olivia Johann; one great-grandchild, Cadence Kirchhoff; one brother, Robert Johann of Alta Vista; and sister, Norma (Eldon) Groth of Saratoga, IA. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul; one grandson, Jarrod; and sister-in-law, Isabel Johann.
Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Cemetery:
Burial will be in Union Cemetery at Alta Vista. Military rites will be provided by New Hampton American Legion Fae Stine Post #38.
Visitation:
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service:
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista with Pastor Daniel Christensen officiating.
To Deb and the Johann family – Im so sorry to hear of Norbs death. My thoughts are with you, and please accept my deepest sympathy.
Aunt Lucille, Steven, Wayne, Deb, and Pete.. We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Norb. We will pray for God to comfort you all. Our love, Ron, Angie, Josh and Sam
Lucille family, Sorry to hear of your loss, you have our deepest sympathy.
Seeing as we lived so far apart, I didnt see Uncle Norb much. However, whenever I did as a kid, he always amused me with his very dry (but hysterical) sense of humor. I still remember the trips my parents used to take us on out to Iowa a few dozen years ago. Aunt Lucille, Steve, Wayne, Deb and Pete – please accept my deepest sympathy, as Uncle Norb was one of the good guys in this world. Im sure he will be welcomed with open arms in his next stop upstairs. God bless Uncle Norb and all of you. Love, Jon, Alexis, Taylor, Max and Zak Bach
Aunt Lucille, Steve, Wayne, Deb Pete, I will have very fond memories of Uncle Norb. He is now in a much better place and one day we will all meet our loved ones once again. You are all in my prayers. I love you all!
Lucille, Steve, Wayne, Deb, Pete and family, I am so sorry to hear of Norbs passing. I will always cherish the fond memories I have from having known him and all of you when growing up in Alta Vista and attending Zion Lutheran Church. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.