October 6, 2024, Norman Stanley Elliott, 67, of Newton, Iowa took his last earthly breath at home with his beloved wife Debbie by his side. Early that morning, the clouds lifted, and the breeze whispered in the autumn tree leaves, ushering him to the heavens. Norman’s family will greet friends for visitation on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, at the Howard Street Christian Church in Colfax, Iowa. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at the Howard Street Christian Church. A lunch will be held at the church directly following the memorial service, and all are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Christian Conference Center in Newton, Iowa. If you are unable to attend and wish to send a card, please make it out to, “Attn: Norman Elliott, Coburn Funeral Homes, 24 W HowardSt, Colfax, IA 50054.
Norm and Debbie’s (Holt) love story began at the skating rink; it was love at first sight as they were engaged 2 weeks later. Their commitment and promise to each other on August 15, 1980, was the foundation of their family. For more than 44 years, they called home their farmstead outside of Newton, Iowa where they nurtured their children, Andrew, Timothy, Emily, and Kimberly. The farmstead served as a setting for raising rabbits and chickens, while also providing an opportunity to educate their children in gardening and vegetable canning. Norm and Debbie cherished the year of their children’s upbringing by embarking on road trips to Arizona, supporting their kids at various sports and music events, and camping with friends and family.
Norm was a proud man known for his love of family, hard work ethic, outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind personality. Norm was a person who knew no stranger and welcomed everyone, often engaging in lengthy conversations about his passions. He shared stories about his experiences with Maytag and TPI, numerous fishing tales, and discussed various topics that occupied his thoughts. However, what made Norm most proud was his kids and grandkids. He took joy in sharing his knowledge with them, whether it was teaching them how to fish, chop wood, identify trees, enjoy movie marathons, or how to make the best chili dog or bacon and pancakes.
Being outdoors was a passion of Norm’s that began early in life. Norm was born in Streator, Illinois on January 17, 1957, to Quintin and Charlotte (Parker) Elliott. He grew up on the family farm outside of Newton, Iowa and spent his childhood years working alongside his dad learning valuable skills on the farm. Norm graduated from Newton High School in 1976 and then attended Ellsworth Community College. After college, he began factory work and made his career at Maytag for 22.5 years. When Maytag closed, he got his CDL license and also worked at TPI Composites. In 2020, Norm was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure, but he never let that define him.
When Norm retired from TPI, he and Debbie enjoyed many adventures including trips to Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina and Puerto Rico. Norm loved to travel and would tell Debbie they were going to buy a house wherever they were vacationing. Norm always looked forward to their next adventure. He also loved to watch his grandchildren play sports and listen to music concerts, even if he might have slept through a few! He was so proud of the life and family he and Debbie built.
Norm’s faith was formed in the old oak trees or in the rustle of the meadows. He found joy in nature and loved being outside mowing, cutting wood or fishing near Potato. Norm lived a life filled with tremendous passion, worth ethic and love towards others. He was most proud to be called, Dad, Grandpa, Popeye and Friend.
Norm was preceded to heaven by parents Quintin and Charlotte (Parker) Elliott, brother Phil Elliott, Mother in Law Mary (Miller) Sandven, nephew Joseph Brown, niece Marti Holt and other family members. He will be deeply missed by his wife Debbie Elliott; children Andrew (Amber) Elliott, Timothy (Rachele) Elliott, Emily (Justin) Korte, Kimberly (Gabriel Cruz) Elliott; grandchildren Justine, Gracelynn, Lexi, Hunter, Parker, Sawyer, Madalyn, Gavin, Benjamin; his best fur friend, his dog, Wickett; sisters Karen (Justin) Richmond, Cheryl Willemsen; and other family and friends that will miss him dearly.