Norma M. Casperson

Norma M. (Freie) DeBour Casperson, 96, of Latimer, passed away January 9, 2023, at Bethany Life in Story City, IA. Norma was born October 26, 1926, at Hampton Hospital to Leslie and Laura (Hovey) Freie. She graduated from Latimer High in 1943. After graduation, she attended AIB in Des Moines, attaining her business degree. She worked in the Iowa Falls Public schools as secretary until 1946. On November 17, 1946, she was united in marriage with Lloyd M. DeBour, and lived on a farm in Marion Twp. until 1969. Lloyd and Norma were blessed with 3 children: Randy, Linn, and Sara. Norma was involved in farming, working in the fields until they moved to town. In 1970, she began working in the CAL library. In 1974, she transitioned to working in the high school secretary position, where she remained until her retirement in July, 1993. During her life, Norma was passionate about being active in her community and giving back; saying “we're put on this earth to serve others." She was an active member of Lutheran Women's Mission League and her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Latimer, where she was a lifelong member. She was a 4-H leader, member of the Farm Bureau ladies, active in the Red Hat Society, as well as being actively involved in the Republican Party of Franklin County (holding caucuses in her home). Norma was a member of the Franklin General Hospital Foundation Board and hospital auxiliary board, even representing them at the Iowa legislature. Norma served on the Franklin County Magistrate Commission and Franklin County Compensation Board. For a period she edited the Latimer Star and was a founding member of the Latimer Park Society. After Lloyd's passing in 1985, Norma found love again with Everett Casperson. They were united in marriage September 20, 1986. Norma enjoyed traveling with both her husbands, visiting many places. She was also passionate about being a lifelong learner, taking classes almost yearly, until it got "to the point where I can't find anything to take anymore." Norma is survived by her son, Randy (Sue) DeBour; 3 grandchildren, Cara (Brian) Folkerts, Beth Podolan, and Tyler (Sarah) DeBour and 7 great-grandchildren; brother Glenn (Jeanette) Freie, sister Evonne Plagge, and numerous nieces and nephews. Norma was preceded in death by husband Lloyd DeBour, children Linn and Sara DeBour, husband Everett Casperson, parents Leslie and Laura Freie, brother Verne Freie, brother in law Wayne Plagge, and grandson in law Eric Podolan. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer, with burial in the church cemetery. A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2023, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer. Counsell Woodley Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hampton is caring for Norma and her family. Memorial contributions may be sent to the CAL education foundation in memory of Norma.

Tributes

Norma M. Casperson

October 26, 1926 - January 9, 2023