Norma Ellen Drake

Norma Ellen Drake was born to Peter and Nellie (Holmberg) Hansen on September 7, 1929, on the family farm near Dickens, Iowa. As the ninth, and youngest child in the family, she was quite the tomboy climbing trees, playing with cats, riding horses bareback. Norma never did learn to ride a bike – all her older siblings wore out the bikes first.

When Norma was in first grade, she was chosen to be a flower girl in a, Clay County Fair wedding. The flower girl dress that she wore is now at the museum in Spencer.

She attended Lake Center Schools until she was a junior in high school when the family moved to Spencer. Norma graduated from Spencer High School in 1947 and went on to meet the man she would marry, Robert Drake, whose parents lived right across the street.

Along with Bob, she took the greatest pride in raising Mike, Denny, Connie and Cindy. One of her many activities was serving as a Cub Scout and Brownie Scout leader. Bob and Norma spent many nights watching football at the high school or listening to a band concert. If their child was involved, they were too. They taught their children that they would always be there for them.

Norma and Bob were married 65 years. They bowled, square danced, and played cards, even winning a 500 competition. Norma won several Canasta tournaments.

She was a talented and passionate crafter, winning numerous ribbons for her creations at the Clay County Fair and one year won the grand prize for a photobook cover. She especially was proud of the porcelain dolls that she painted, stuffed and dressed. According to her, painting the eyelashes nice and straight was the hardest part. She lovingly shared these with her kids and grandkids. Two are in the Clay County Fair Museum now. She began making Christmas tree ornaments for each member of the family with their name on it and continued that tradition for 25 years.

She was a very patient, caring, encouraging, and giving person. Norma not only believed in Christian principles, but she lived them. In her quiet and unassuming manner she influenced the many lives she touched. Never looking for credit, she encouraged, supported and believed in others.

Norma gave much time and energy to The First Congregational Church counting money, sending cards to church members, working in the kitchen, supervising funeral dinners. She even continued organizing monthly newsletters until she was 94.

On Friday, October 3, Norma went to her home in heaven, to the waiting arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior. There she joined her parents: Peter and Nellie (Holmberg) Hansen, eight siblings: husband: Robert, daughter: Cynthia Karls, granddaughter: Sara Drake. Left with cherished memories are son Michael (Ann) of Rochester Hills, Michigan, son Dennis (Jan) Drake of Ft. Collins, Colorado, daughter Connie Drake of Spencer, Iowa, son-in-law Patrick Karls of Rochester, Minnesota. Grandchildren: Katherine (Mark) Gudiksen, Russell (Katherine) Drake, Brian (Stacy) Drake, John (Carrie) Drake, Benjamin Karls, Emma Karls. Great grandchildren: Ellen Gudiksen, Annalise Gudiksen, Barrett Drake, Madeline Drake, Samuel Drake, Fenna Drake, Leura Drake, Jasper Drake.

Norma would be honored to know that she lives on in our hearts, leaving a legacy of love and compassion. Missed and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association https://donorservices.alz.org or Abben Cancer Center at the Spencer Hospital.

You can livestream the service by clicking the link: https://youtube.com/live/C8EbZE-HUis