Obituary of Norma Mae Fortmann

Norma Mae (Hoffmann) Fortmann, 91, of Worthington, Iowa, died Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at home surrounded by her family. 

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 2, 2019, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Worthington with burial in the church cemetery. 

Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Kramer Funeral Home, Dyersville, where a parish wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. and a Catholic Order of Forester rosary recited at 5:00 p.m.  Friends may also call on Monday, September 2 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

Norma was born on April 19, 1928, the daughter of Nicholas and Leona (Meyer) Hoffmann, on the farm northeast of Dyersville, Iowa, in Hickory Valley.  She married Merlin P. Fortmann on January 6, 1953, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville.  He preceded her in death on January 15, 2003.  Merlin and Norma farmed together near Worthington until they retired and moved into Worthington in December, 1989. 

Norma was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters Court #607 where she was past officer and trustee.  She received her Legion of Honor award on January 16, 1985.  Norma was a member of St. Paul’s Parish Altar and Rosary Society.  She served her church in many ways from cooking meals, helping with soup suppers, cleaning church, helping with religious education classes, etc.

Mom lived her life to help others.  She loved spending time with family and friends.  She loved little babies.  In July a new great grandchild, Nicole, was born whom she spent the last month spending every minute she could with.  Norma lived for her faith, family and friends.

Surviving include a daughter, Julie (Steve) Bries of Worthington and their children: Patrick (Holly) Bries and their children, Leah and Nicole; Daniel Bries, Jessica Bries and Kristi Bries; a son, Jerry (Renee) Fortmann and his children: Melissa Ibarra (fiancé Dakota Dryden) and her children, Jasmine, Jocelyn and Gemma; Anthony (Kristen) Fortmann and their children Kira, Ella, Abel, Autumn and Hunter; sister-in-law, Eileen Fortmann and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Lori Ann Fortmann, on August 30, 1964, infant grandson, Nicholas Joseph Bries on December 12, 2000; her parents, Nicholas & Leona Hoffmann; parents-in-law, Ralph & Anna Fortmann; sisters: Martha (George) Kremer, Mabel (John) Kremer, Hazel (George) Mullis, Bernice (Melvin) Mai; brothers: Donald (Bernadine) Hoffmann and Monroe (Ardella) Hoffmann; in-laws: Gilbert Fortmann, Emil Fortmann and Sylvester (Marcella) Fortman.

The family wishes to acknowledge all those who were part of her journey home.  May God bless each of you.