Norma Brodie

Norma Brodie, born January 14, 1937, in Burlington, Iowa, passed away on December 3, 2025, at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa. She grew up on her family’s farm near New London, where her happy spirit, quick wit, and love of music and learning first took shape.

A 1954 graduate of New London High School, Norma participated in student council, band, and choir. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education and later a master’s degree in business education from Iowa Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa). During her time at UNI, she worked in the residence halls, eventually serving as Director of Women’s Housing. It was there she met the love of her life, Robert Brodie, who was Director of Men’s Housing. After the two married the university’s housing system soon became co-ed.

They married on August 12, 1967, in Waterloo, IA. Norma and Robert began their life together in Columbus, Ohio, where their daughters, Barb and Robin, were born. In 1972, the family settled in Urbandale, Iowa. She later retired in Waukee. Throughout her career, she worked as a teacher and bookkeeper and spent many years substitute teaching, including a cherished time volunteering in her grandchildren’s grade school library.

Norma’s greatest joy in life was her family and most of all her grandchildren. She loved attending their many events, hosting tea parties, and celebrating every milestone. Her creativity and generosity were evident in her many knitted afghans and other crocheted items, her holiday baking, her famous Scotcheroos and shortbread cookies. She had a passion for reading, puzzles, and word games, and she was an active member of P.E.O. Above all, Norma loved her family deeply.

She is survived by her daughters, Barb Brodie and Robin Myers (Jamie); her grandchildren, A.J. Myers (Chloe) and Abbey Goulding (Charlie); her youngest sister, Carol Prehm; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; her sisters, Betty Prehm and Leona Gholson; her brother-in-law, Richard Gholson; and her nephew, Terry Gholson.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of Spurgeon Manor and Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service following at 12:00 p.m., all at Merle Hay Chapel Funeral Home (4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa). Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Gardens (4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA).  Following the burial, there will be a luncheon held back in the chapel, all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spurgeon Manor in honor of Norma. Spurgeon Manor‘s Address is 1204 Linden Street, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063.

A link to the funeral service livestream can be found here: Livestream