Norma Otto

Norma Otto, age 97, of Albert City, Iowa died on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. 

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake, Iowa. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of arrangements.

Norma (Lullmann) Otto was born March 15, 1925 in the home of her parents John and Martha (Sievers) Lullmann in Grant Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa. 

Norma was baptized on March 27, 1925 and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. She attended Zion Lutheran grade school. Norma was united in marriage to Arnold (Arnie) Otto on April 23, 1944 and was blessed with two children: Judith Ann and Garland Arnold. During their farming years, they farmed in the Aurelia, Truesdale, and Albert City communities. Arnie and Norma enjoyed several bus trips with friends to Washington D.C., the West Coast, and the Canadian Rockies. They also enjoyed a trip with family to Alaska which included a train trip between Fairbanks and Anchorage. Over the years they traveled to various locations on the East Coast to visit their children. 

As the children were growing up Norma supported them in school activities and was active as a leader in Girls 4-H. As a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church she was active in the Ladies Aid group, holding several leadership positions.  

After raising her children, she obtained her GED and later worked outside the home at Pleasant View Nursing Home for twelve years, followed by employment with the Buena Vista Public Health for twelve years. 

Following retirement, she continued to enjoy sewing, quilting, and coffee with friends. Through the years, Norma was known to happily alter or repair clothing for friends, often refusing payment. She could be depended on to help anyone who needed her assistance. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, games, and working puzzles with her friends at Countryside Living. Family was important to Norma, she often called her grandchildren and great grandchildren, even enjoying meeting her great-great grandchildren on Facetime. She LOVED all children and enjoyed playing with them.

Anyone stopping by Norma’s door was always greeted with a warm welcome and coffee and cookies or whatever she had that was freshly baked. While residing at Countryside Living, Norma continued to entertain and offer soup, a special treat, sandwich or even pizza to her friends. Before an evening of cards, Norma often made a special dessert or cookies to serve later. When Pastor stopped for a visit, Norma treated him to his favorite, freshly made brownies. Norma continued her hospitality until Covid required her to curtail her activities.

While at Pleasant View Home she was well known/respected for her ability to make all newcomers feel welcome, making sure they were greeted/welcomed and included for coffee and activities. When a resident needed encouragement, she was always available to help. Norma will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Judy (George) Behler of Palm Coast, Florida; Garland (Sandra) of Albert City; grandchildren: Kimberly (Mike) Edwards of Palm Coast, Florida; Branden (Kari) Otto of Badger, Iowa; Heather (Chuck) Martin of Storm Lake, Iowa; eleven great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law: Lorraine Otto of Storm Lake, Iowa.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, John and Martha (Sievers) Lullmann; her husband: Arnold Otto and great-grandchild: Christina Martin. She was the lone survivor of the John Lullmann Sr. family.

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