Norma Mae Groth

Norma Mae Groth age 92 of Saratoga, IA died Monday, December 15, 2025, at Riceville Family Care & Therapy Center.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church in rural Elma, IA, with Rev. Craig Moss officiating. Friends are invited to greet the family from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. before the service at the church.

Interment will be held at Saratoga Township Cemetery, rural Lime Springs, with Erik Smith, Adam Gesell, Reed Mick, Ben Groth, David Hoehne, and Clark Ebert serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jill Smith, Jessica Smith, Malinda Mick, Becky Hoehne, Dawn Gesell, and J.J. Groth.

Norma Mae Groth, a cherished soul and a beacon of love and service, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, in Riceville, IA. Born on February 28, 1933, in Alta Vista, IA, the daughter of Peter and Malinda (Joachim) Johann. Norma’s life was a testament to her faith, generosity, and thoughtful nature.

Norma’s early years were spent in Alta Vista, where she received her education and graduated from Alta Vista High School in 1951. It was after a dance at the Alta Vista Hall that Norma’s heart found its match in Eldon Groth. Their love blossomed, leading them down the aisle on May 7, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church. Together, they welcomed two wonderful children, Randy and Barb.

The Groth family began their farming journey north of Saratoga before purchasing the Groth family farm in 1963. Norma was the backbone of the farm, working tirelessly alongside Eldon. She undertook all the tasks necessary to care for her family, from chores and milking to raising chickens for eggs and meat. Her large vegetable garden was a source of sustenance and pride, with the annual canning being a testament to her dedication to her family’s well-being.

A devout Christian, Norma’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Her love for music, sparked by early piano lessons, led her to play the organ for her church services for the majority of her life. Her musical talents were a cherished gift to her congregation at St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, where she was a dedicated member. Norma’s involvement in the church extended beyond music; she was always willing to lend a hand at any church function.

Norma’s interests and talents were many and varied. She was a skilled crocheter, and her Mission Quilts, sent overseas to those in need, were infused with love and care. An adept fisherwoman, Norma relished the opportunity to wet a line and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Her zest for life was evident in her love for travel. Norma and Eldon explored numerous destinations across the United States and beyond, seeking out warm weather and spending over a decade wintering in the welcoming embrace of Texas.

Above all, Norma’s heart belonged to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found immense joy in being a part of their lives and activities, her presence a constant source of love and encouragement.

Norma Mae Groth will be remembered as a faith-filled, generous, and thoughtful woman whose legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her church, and her community set a standard of selflessness and kindness that will not soon be forgotten. 

Norma is survived by her two children, Randy (Jo) Groth of Plainfield, IA, and Barb (Roger) Gesell of Elma, IA; six grandchildren, Jill (Erik) Smith, Jessica (John) Smith, Malinda (Reed) Mick, Ben (J.J.) Groth, Adam (Dawn) Gesell, and Becky (David) Hoehne, ten great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Johann of Alta Vista, IA, and Jane Groth of Riceville, IA. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldon in 2015; three brothers, Paul Johann, Nobert Johann, and Robert (Isabelle) Johann.