Norman Dickman

Norman Dickman, age 86, of Decorah died Monday, May 20, 2019 due to results of an automobile accident east of Decorah. Funeral Services were held Monday, May 27 at Salem United Church of Christ, Waukon with Rev. Sue Klimstra presiding. Burial was in the Salem Cemetery with military honors.

Norman Ellsworth Dickman was born December 13, 1932, the son of Edward and Lucy (Dull) Dickman on a farm in Frankville Township.  He was baptized and confirmed at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. Norman attended Bakke Country School and graduated from Decorah High School.

After graduation, Norman enlisted into the Army with friends Dervin Ludeking, Lee Vangsness and Mel Lee. Norman was in the Signal Corps from 1953-1955 and was part of Atomic Bomb testing in 1955. It was during a military leave at Christmas time that Norman saw his future bride, Darlene Stuckman, singing in the church choir. They married June 2, 1955. Norman and Darlene spent 63 years of marriage on the family farm.  They had a dairy and also raised beef cattle and hogs.

In 1980, Norman won the Iowa Corn Grower contest with a yield of 198 bushels per acre. Pioneer Seed Company sent the couple on a trip to California as a prize.  Norman was active in church activities, serving on the Consistory Board for 12 years.  He was active in putting up cemetery flags for Memorial Day, served on the Auxiliary Board for the Winneshiek County Fair for 25 years, Frankville Township Trustee for eight years and Hawkeye REC board for 18 years. Norman received the Quilt of Valor in 2015, which he cherished. He was also able to go on Eastern Iowa Honor Flight #31 April 17, 2018.

Norman enjoyed being in the woods hunting turkeys and deer. He had a favorite Oak tree with a sign on it naming it “General Patton”.  No saw will ever cut that special tree down. Norman and Darlene went fishing for 40 years in Minnesota and also spent 28 years in Gulf Shores, AL for the cold winter months.

Norman enjoyed driving his “Super H” Farmall in tractor rides. He also enjoyed going to the “boat”. Norman was an Iowa Hawkeye and Minnesota Viking fan. Norman and Darlene were also a part of the “birthday club” where they would get together with neighboring couples and celebrate birthdays every month for 40 years. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Norman is survived by his wife, Darlene; his daughters, Dawn (Walt) Konetzka of Prospect, KY and Denise (Monty Wilder) Buddenberg of Decorah; his grandchildren: Josh (Amy) Buddenberg of Decorah, Zac Buddenberg of San Diego, CA and Julie Buddenberg of Decorah; his great-grandchildren, Emmett and Brett Buddenberg; and his brother, Douglas (Ellen) Dickman of Decorah. Norman was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane Dickman; his parents, Edward and Lucy (Dull) Dickman; his brother, Edward (Bev) Dickman; his sister, Lillian Dickman; his father- and mother-in-law, George and Alta (Winkie) Stuckman; and his brothers-in-law, Harlan Stuckman and Roger Stuckman.

The family would like to thank the Frankville Fire and EMS, Winneshiek Ambulance Crew, Decorah Fire Department and Gundersen Med Link Air for their services, along with the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa State Patrol and all the bystanders that helped in any way.

Honorary casketbearers were members of the Birthday Club. Casketbearers were Bruce Buddenberg, Zac Buddenberg, Josh Buddenberg, Julie Buddenberg, Walt Konetzka and Jim Walsh.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah assisted the family with arrangements.