Norma Jean Rave

Norma Jean Rave, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at her home in Manchester. Norma was born August 25, 1933, at Worthington, to Edwin and Armella (Recker) Besler. She was raised in the Worthington area and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1951.

On April 15, 1953, Norma was united in marriage to John Rave at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington. Nine children were born to this union. Together they resided at Farley for five years before moving to Greeley where they farmed together from 1959 until 1992. In 1992 John and Norma moved to Manchester until John’s passing in 2006. Norma worked at Community Savings Bank from 1991 until 2006.

Norma was a great cook and enjoyed gardening, mowing lawn and working on her yard. She was faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  Norma enjoyed spending time with all of her family, she said her greatest blessings were her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Survivors include her nine children, Pat Gotto of Punta Gorda,  Florida, Ken (Kris) Rave of Dundee, Bill (Darla) Rave of Manchester, Jerry Rave of Manchester, Jim (Anne) Rave of Greeley, John (Carol) Rave of Strawberry Point, Tom (Amy) Rave of Manchester, Mary (Greg) Steffen of Manchester, and Barb (Dan) Hogan of Manchester; 25 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one brother, Louis (Janice) Besler of Worthington; two sisters-in-law, Alice Besler of Worthington and Monica Besler of Worthington; and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years; her parents; her son-in-law, Tony Gotto; her daughter-in-law, Mary Rave; her grandson, Wesley Hogan in infancy; three brothers, Donald Besler, Jerome Besler, and Robert Besler; and her sister, Lila Mae (Joseph) Sperfslage.

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