It is with love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Norma Jean Steffen, 87, of Farley, Iowa. She passed away peacefully at her home on February 9, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.

Visitation will be held at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley on Thursday, February 13th from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m. and a Nurses Honor Guard Service at 3:00 p.m.   Visitation will continue on Friday, February 14th from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. before the funeral mass.   A Catholic Daughters of the America’s Rosary will be recited at church prior to A Mass of Christian Burial for Norma which will begin at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, with burial following at the Farley Catholic Cemetery. Reverend Carl Ries officiating.  Homilist will be Deacon Nick Elliott.

Norma was born on October 17, 1937, in Colesburg, Iowa, to Clement and Matilda (Tillie) Pasker Niehaus. She attended Colesburg Grade and High School and went on to graduate from the Mercy School of Nursing, a profession she loved deeply.

On October 21, 1958, Norma married the love of her life, Herbert Steffen, at St. Patrick’s Church in Colesburg. Together, they raised eight children, each of whom were touched by her nurturing spirit.

Norma was a dedicated nurse for many years, first serving at Mercy Hospital in Dyersville and Dubuque, where she worked in the Emergency Room, Recovery Room, and Same Day Surgery. After retiring from Mercy, she continued to serve in hospitals in Manchester and Cedar Rapids. From 1999 to 2006, she became a traveling nurse, living and working in a variety of states including New Hampshire, North Carolina, Florida, Oklahoma, Arizona, California, and Hawaii. Her dedication in nursing led her to be inducted into the Mercy Hospital Nursing Hall of Fame in 2019 when she received the Mercy Alumni of Distinction Award.

Norma’s passion for caring extended beyond her work as a nurse. She had a deep love for plants and gardening, which led her to become a founding member of the local garden club. Norma wrote several grants, securing nearly $20,000 for trees and flowers that brightened the community. In 2009, she was honored with the Governor’s Volunteer Award for her tireless work and dedication.

Norma was a woman who believed in getting her hands dirty—whether it was helping paint, refinishing woodwork, or lending a hand with yard work. She was always ready to pitch in. For over 50 years, she and Herb shared a special bond with their card club group, and truly enjoyed all of the times gathered with them.

Norma is survived by her loving husband of over 66 years, Herb; children Randy (Julie) Steffen, Terry (Carla) Steffen, Dean Steffen, Lynn (Bill) Pitz, Tom (Maria) Steffen, Dale (Becky) Steffen, and Kathy (Matt) Goerdt; as well as her cherished grandchildren: Bethany (Nate) Trumm, Meredith (Adam) Young, Olivia (Daniel) Ervin, Myra Steffen, Kristen (Bryce) Leggins, Brittany Pitz, Amber (Brad) Gravel, Logan (Emma) Pitz, Morgan (Cole) Perrenoud, Carolyn Steffen, Hailey Steffen, Will Steffen, Rebecca Goerdt, Steffen Goerdt, and Kate Goerdt, and step-grandchildren Ryan Gasper and Julia Gasper. Norma also adored her great-grandchildren: Braden Bickford, Kinley and Drew Leggins, Nora, Cecily and Greta Young, Loretta, Judd and Tillie Gravel, Izzy Pitz, Frankie Trumm, and step-great-grandchildren Vivian and Grant Trumm.

Norma is also survived by nephews Chuck (Robin) Niehaus, Jeff (Jolene) Niehaus, and sister-in-law Katie (Maiers) Steffen, along with many other Steffen/Feltes nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Carol Myrna Steffen; her parents, Clem and Tillie Niehaus; her brother, Fred Niehaus; and in-laws, Vincent (Betty) Steffen, Harry (Marcella) Steffen, Mary Ann (Don) Feltes, and Roger Steffen.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of No Place Like Home, especially Misty, and to Hospice of Dubuque for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time.

Norma Jean will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, service, and compassion will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and community.

An online video may be viewed and online condolences at [email protected]