Norma Jean Zelsdorf, 94, of Burlington, died Monday, November 21, 2022, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born December 28, 1927, in Goodell, she was the daughter of Lee Rueben and Mildred Marie Fuller Robbins. On July 29, 1950, she married Robert Thomas "Tom" Zelsdorf in Palatine, Ill. He died on September 14, 2001.
Norma graduated from Goodell High School and then attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City. She worked as a secretary for General Mills in Belmond and later worked for the Pullman Company in Chicago, Ill. After moving to Burlington, she worked for Younkers until retirement.
Norma was a selfless woman with a strong faith who believed in the power of prayer. She recited the rosary many times for her family and friends over the years.
Norma enjoyed cooking, working in her yard and was well known for her chocolate chip cookies and Blarney Stones. She dearly loved her family and was very involved with their lives.
Survivors include her son, Robert Thomas "Bob" (Mary Lou) Zelsdorf, Jr. of Davenport; two daughters, Paula Kiesel of Burlington, and Mary (Charles) Buhmeyer of Burlington; 10 grandchildren, Lisa Goeman, Tyler Carlson, Travis (Jacquelyn) Buhmeyer, Julie (Mitch Straw) Buhmeyer, Taylor (Courtney) Buhmeyer, Adam Zelsdorf, Amanda (Keith) Beck, Scott (Julie) Doup, Seth (Sarah) Doup, Luke Doup; 20 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Maxine Johnson of Leland and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband of 51 years, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Lee and Gene Robbins, and one sister, Jan Pascaly.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Zelsdorf will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the burial.
A memorial has been established for the Klein Center Memory Care Unit.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Norma's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
A special thank you goes out to the staff at the Klein Center in West Burlington for the years of excellent care they provided to Norma as well as the care provided by Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.