Norma Agnes (Helle) Kelchen

Norma Agnes Kelchen, 84, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on February 28, 1939, in Dyersville, the daughter of George and Sedella (Kramer) Helle and Joan (Jaeger) Helle, her “mom” since she was five years old. She attended Xavier schools in Dyersville and graduated in 1956 from Xavier High School.

On January 23, 1960, Norma was united in marriage to Gerald “Gerry” Kelchen at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. Six children were born to this union. Together they farmed in Delaware County until moving to Manchester in 1974. She worked at Pamida for 20 years, until the store closed and then Hardees making biscuits for 10 years.

Norma was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  She spent many, many hours in prayer. Norma enjoyed baking, quilting, reading, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. She loved dancing with Gerry and her lunches with her sisters and classmates each month. Norma also enjoyed her time at Hardees with friends.  Norma’s large snowman collection was displayed every year for all to enjoy.

Survivors include her six children, Dan (Patti) Kelchen of Edgewood, David (Christine) Kelchen of Vinton, Lori (Tom) Bunting of Edgewood, John (Cindy) Kelchen of Manchester, Terry (Christine) Kelchen of Dyersville, and Sara (Joe) Richter of Earlville; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren;  her siblings, Pearl Kelchen of Cedar Rapids, George (Connie) Helle of Anamosa, LeRoy (Margie) Helle of Hopkinton, Paul (Stella) Helle of Dyersville, Frank (JoAnn) Helle of Dyersville, Marlene (Ambrose) Koopmann of Epworth, Ruth (Larry) Griffin of Dubuque, Bob (Cami) Helle of Dyersville, LuAnn (Bob) Cigrand of Cascade, Joanie (Tom) Tauke of Greeley, and Doris (Clair) Riesburg of Dyersville; sisters-in-law, Roselyn Kelchen of Dyersville, Rose Ann Kelchen and Mary Kelchen both of Edgewood; and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald Kelchen; and sisters, Sister MaryAnn Helle, Janet (John) Schwendinger, and Kathleen Helle in infancy; her brother, Henry Helle, and by the Kelchen family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at http://blessedtrinitycluster.com/livestream-mass.

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