Norma G. Sanchez, age 69, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:12 p.m., on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital with her family by her side.  To honor Norma there will be a Celebration of Her Life held at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Norma’s family.

Norma was born on September 20, 1954, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Norman and Janet (Oakley) Gerstkamp.

Norma attended Dubuque Senior High School and graduated from Hempstead High School.  She began her working career at Regency Thermographers, staying with them for 25 years.  Norma then went to work with W.C. Brown Publishing.  She would continue with them through all the name changes ending with Quebecor.  She then went to work with NICC Dubuque Center in admissions and scheduling, retiring in 2017 due to health issues.  Norma met the love of her life, Sam Sanchez, and the couple married on June 17, 1989, at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  Norma and Sam loved camping, traveling and enjoyed being in the great outdoors.  They could often be found sitting out in their backyard enjoying nature and a nice cold beverage.  They also hosted many Oakley family reunions at their home.  To the surprise of many, Norma was a gearhead who learned how to work on cars with her dad.  She especially liked classic cars and often attended car shows with her 1970 Monte Carlo.  Norma was a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Norma’s memory include

her loving husband of 34 years,
Sam Sanchez, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Jim Ferguson, Dubuque, IA;

a niece and nephew,
Carrie (Aaron) Pozdol, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Matthew (Diana) Ferguson, Dubuque, IA;

and her cousins.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, LaVonne Ferguson; and a brother, Charles Gerstkamp in infancy.

Norma’s family would like to thank the outstanding nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and the wonderful care they have provided for Norma.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Norma’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Norma Sanchez Family.