In Loving Memory
Norma J. Shaffer
January 3, 1930 - December 6, 2024

Norma's service will be live streamed on the Martin-Mattice Funeral Home Facebook page.

VISITATION
Saturday, December 14, 2024
9:30 - 11:00 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
11:00 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Kolleen Queener

INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Norma Jean Shaffer, daughter of George and Nina S. (Smith) Godden, was born January 3, 1930 in Nevada, Iowa.  After the Godden family moved to Emmetsburg, Norma received her education at Emmetsburg Community School, graduating from Emmetsburg High School.  Following high school Norma moved to Omaha where she was employed as a nursing assistant and secretary.

On November 20, 1949 Norma was united in marriage to Bobbie Shaffer at the Methodist parsonage in Emmetsburg, Iowa.  They were blessed with four children.  Norma grew up in Emmetsburg with little knowledge of farm life. After she and Bob were married, they lived a short time in Emmetsburg before starting to farm near Ringsted.  A few years later, they were able to relocate closer to Emmetsburg on a farm near Cylinder.  This "city girl" quickly transformed into a hard-working farm wife with four children to raise.   She learned all of the farm wife jobs of gardening, canning, gathering eggs and cooking for the family as well as feeding the crew of farmers who helped with baling hay, shelling corn, and any other jobs necessary on the farm.

Norma was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church and church circle in Emmetsburg.  She was always involved with her children's activities including 4-H, school and church functions.  This included many trips to town on the dusty gravel roads.  She enjoyed her time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether it was cuddling babies, having tea parties, playing games or attending their events.

Following their retirement from farming Norma and Bob enjoyed the time they spent wintering in Arizona.  They enjoyed sightseeing and spent a lot of time hiking with their friends.  Bob and Norma loved traveling and going to Alaska and the World's Fair were highlights for them.  While still living on the farm, Bob and Norma enjoyed playing cards with the card party group that was composed of neighboring farm couples for many years.  After moving to town Norma played 500 with several groups.  She always looked forward to hosting family and friends. Norma was a great cook and everyone enjoyed  her meals including her legendary ham balls.  No one ever turned down her pies, cookies or desserts.  Norma also liked feeding, watering and watching the birds in her backyard.  She spent many hours tending her flowers and maintaining her yard.

Norma passed away Friday, December 6, 2024 at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 94.  She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Nina Godden; her husband, Bobbie Shaffer; and a sister, Beverly (Leslie) Beedle.

She is survived by her children, Larry Shaffer (Lois) of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Marilyn Drew (Gary) of Maquoketa, Iowa, Janet Baatz (Stan) of Omaha, Nebraska and Annette Norland (Jeff) of Marion, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Casey Shaffer (DeeDee), Justin Shaffer (Julie), Isaac Drew (Jenny), Amanda Drew (Bill Ries), Ryan Baatz (Trish Akers), Luke Baatz (Bree), Grant Norland (Ranae), Lindsay Johnson (Aaron), Andrea Francisco (Tito) and Derek Norland (Morghen); twenty seven great grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home