Norma Koch

Norma J. Koch, 88, of Chatfield, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at her apartment in Chatfield.

Norma Jean Johnson was born August 5, 1934, in Anamosa, Iowa, to her adopted parents Frank and Leona Johnson. She attended a small country school in Wyoming, Iowa. On October 28, 1953, she married Keith Koch in Wyoming, Iowa. They farmed many years in Onslow, Iowa. The couple later moved to Preston, Minn., and continued farming from 1973 to 1989. They then moved to Lanesboro. She was a house wife and worked many years at the Branding Iron and Gehling Implement as a cleaning lady. She also was a home health aid for Fillmore County, and did many cleaning jobs for local people.

Norma was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff, where she was a member of the quilting club.  Norma was known for sewing many different things — from prom dresses to wedding dresses to quilts for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You name it, she could sew it. She became famous for her giant rhubarb stock and leaf that got her picture in the National Geographic magazine. One thing she enjoyed the most was sewing dresses for Dress a Girl Around the World Organization. Norma has sewn over 1,000 little girl dresses. Her pride and joy was spending as much time as she could with her family, including all of her in-laws. Norma loved to play lots of games — especially Yahtzee.

Norma is survived by three sons: Kenneth (Karen) of Fountain, Kevin (Janelle) of Chatfield, and Dale (Becky) of Preston;  son-in-law Jeff Erath, 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, sister Becky and two sister-in-laws Ruth and Betty. She also considered Mike Franzin and Kris Read her Iowa children.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Leona Johnson, husband Keith Koch, in-laws Henry and Lula Koch, daughter Karen Koch Erath, daughter-in-law Rhonda,  brothers-in-law Donald Koch, Leonard Koch, Harold Koch, and John Koch, sisters-in-law Marge Koch, Francis Koch and Phyllis Duhme.

Funeral service for Norma will be at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff, with Pastor Kay Wold officiating. Visitation will be from 12–1:30 p.m. at the church before the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Riley Funeral Home is assisting the Koch family with arrangements. Online condolence are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.