Norma Rosonke

norma  rosonke

April 23, 1944 ~ May 18, 2024


Resided in: New Hampton, Iowa

Norma Rosonke age 80 of New Hampton, IA died Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Hampton with Jarod Juhl, Adam Juhl, Kyle Juhl, Ethan Rosonke, Alex Krawza, Matthew Rosonke, Brayden Rosonke and Bryson Rosonke serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service.  Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church.

Norma was born on April 23, 1944, in New Hampton, Iowa. Norma was the youngest of five children of Erwin and Alice (Kelly) Burke. Her childhood was filled with the joy of close-knit family bonds, a love for the outdoors, and many happy memories in New Hampton.

Norma attended New Hampton Schools and was a proud member of the New Hampton High School Class of 1962. Her life changed forever at her sister’s wedding dance when she met the love of her life, Leonard Rosonke. They were married on June 27, 1964, and together they raised six wonderful children, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments.

Norma’s love for children extended beyond her own family. She started an in-home daycare, creating a nurturing environment where many children were cared for and loved. The daily “lunch chaos” was a joyful noise in her home, often followed by a phone call from Leonard, checking in to share a moment of peace amidst the busy day.

After her daycare years, Norma found another calling at the local school, first helping in the lunchroom and eventually becoming the head cook. She took great pride in planning menus and ensuring that every meal was made with care and affection.

Outside of her work, Norma was known for her love of playing cards, a cherished Rosonke family tradition. She also had a beautiful collection of angel figurines and delighted in baking Christmas cookies, a sweet legacy she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She also made the best apple pies. Her generosity extended to her neighbors as well; she often took communion to those who couldn’t attend church and delivered Meals on Wheels.

Norma was a pillar of her community and found joy in her coffee clubs, whether at her mom’s house, McDonald’s, the school, or the community center.  Even after her mother passed, her siblings and her took turns hosting to carry on this tradition. These gatherings were filled with lively conversations and the comfort of a hot cup of coffee. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a lifelong member of the Holy Family Parish.

Norma’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, boundless love, and a dedication to family and community.

She is survived by six children, Kelvin (Sandy) Rosonke of Lake Orion, MI, Julie (Kelly) Juhl of Harlan, IA, Paula (Donny Svoboda) Nelsestuen of Rochester, MN, Allen (Nicole) Rosonke of New Hampton, Rana (Ken) Krawza of Prior Lake, MN, Brian (Lacy Carolan) Rosonke of New Hampton; 19 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Wegner of New Hampton, Doris (Cletus) Ries of New Hampton; brother-in-law, John (Mary) Rosonke of New Hampton; sisters-in-law, Lavonne Rosonke of New Hampton, June Rosonke of New Hampton, Agnes Kramer of Woden, IA, Jean Tilkes of New Hampton, Eleanore (Cletus) Schwickerath of New Hampton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leonard Rosonke in 2019; one brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Mary Lee) Burke; one sister and brother-in-law, Elaine (Greg) Tilkes; five brothers-in-law, Sylvester Wegner, Charlie Kramer, Norbert Rosonke, Francis Rosonke, Nick Tilkes.

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  1. My deepest sympathy to all of Normas’ family. We became close when we took over the lunch program together and really got to know each other from then on. She was a wonderful person and friend. Norma and Lenard are back together again with all the angels up in heaven. Prayers to all family members, Sincerely, Linda Stolfus

  2. Norma was a classmate. Losing someone whom you have grown up with is not easy.
    Rest In Peace.

  3. Please accept our sincere condolences. May Gods blessings comfort you during this difficult time.

  4. My thoughts and prayers to Norma’s family. We were both a part of the NH Class of 62 and spent time together. She was a very special and caring classmate!!

  5. My sympathy and prayers to all of Norma’s family. I was a member of the Class of 62 and was a good friend. May she rest in peace.

  6. I extend my sympathy to all of Normas family
    When we were in high school she use to spend Friday nights with m e as she cleaned Chick’s house on Saturdays. We remained good friends.

  7. Sending my sympathy & my prayers for Norma’s family.
    Love this happy picture of Norma.
    Classmate class of 1962
    Marge Roethler Zipse

  8. Our deepest sympathy! It has been a tough road for you all, the time was coming but you are never ready to lose a parent.
    Jeanine & Ken Douglas

  9. So very sorry for your loss. Norma was a very sweet lady. May she rest in peace.

  10. So very sorry to hear of Norma’s passing. She was a great lady and I enjoyed her so much as did Louie.

  11. I always like visiting with he. She was so sweet. Sending prayers to the family. God Bless

  12. Our deepest sympathies to the Rosonke family.. Now Norma and Leonard can be back together again in heaven under God\’s protective hand, now and forever….. Norma and I (Richard) are cousins.

  13. Norma was a class mate of mine (Class of 62) and although I haven’t seen her except for our reunions, I want to offer my condolences to her family. I’m always saddened when I loose another classmate. Rest In Peace Norma.

  14. Our deepest sympathy to Norma’s family. She was a wonderful person and loved to visit with everyone. Rest In Peace dear cousin.

  15. Our sympathy to Norma’s family. My kids always enjoying going to Norma’s for daycare. We enjoyed visiting with her and Leonard at church and joking that ‘we saved a pew for them!’ Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  16. Sympathy to all of Norma’s family. She was a wonderful classmate of mine, in the class of 1962.

  17. My sympathy to Norma’s family. Our children were classmates in school and often spent time together, correct Renee’. Elaine was my classmate and remembered giggling a lot as friends, now they can share memories,!

  18. I am so sorry for your loss. Norma was a wonderful woman and friend. May she rest in peace. Prayers and love to your family

  19. What a beautiful obituary of Norma’s life and legacy. Though Norma was a first cousin of my father’s, she was close enough in age to my siblings and I to be an occasional babysitter to us and just enough older to be looked up to. I was 15 at time of her and Leonard’s wedding and have sweet memories of her entrance into the dance hall for their wedding dance. My parents Emmett and Regina so much enjoyed visits with Norma and Leonard over the years and appreciated being on the receiving end of their communion ministry.
    I am so sorry I will not be able to attend Norma’s services as you honor her legacy.

  20. Sympathy to Norma’s family and wishing you comfort during this sad time.

    Mary Gorman Sweet
    NH Class of 1962

  21. Prayers for all of Norma’s families. Working many church funerals and soup suppers with her was always fun.

  22. My deepest sympathy to Norma’s family. May she rest in peace in heaven with her loving husband.

  23. Our sympathy to Norma’s entire family. She was such a nice lady. Mom always enjoyed visiting with her.

  24. My sympathies to the Rosonke family on the loss of Norma. May she rest in peace.

    Jerry Breen
    NH Class of ’62


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