Norm DeLong

Norm DeLong
October 25, 1934 - June 2, 2021

Norm DeLong, 86, of Oelwein passed away Wednesday June 2, 2021. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Friday June 11, 2021 at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein. Funeral Services will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday June 12, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein with Pastor Rick Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the St. Croix Hospice.

Due to state and federal guidelines on gatherings regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and wearing a mask are recommended.

Norman Lee DeLong was born in Oelwein on October 25, 1934 to parents George and Helen (Hungerford) DeLong. He graduated from Maynard High School with the class of 1952 and attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette for one year. On August 23, 1953 he was united in marriage with Mari Ann Shreve at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein. Norm was employed with Rath Packing Company in Waterloo for 2 ½ years. He then began a longtime career with the Donaldson Company in Oelwein for 38 years, retiring as Plant Superintendant. Norm was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and served on the Oelwein Community School Board for nine years.

Norm and his wife Mari Ann settled on an acreage in 1968 where they raised their five children. Norm enjoyed his Arabian horses and other animals that made their way to the acreage. He enjoyed the Packers, Yankees and NASCAR. Norm was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes Football fan and one of his favorite memories was when he attended the 2005 Capital One Bowl with Mari Ann and son Steve, enjoying one of Iowa’s most exciting wins. He took numerous trips to Canada where he enjoyed Walleye fishing. He and Mari Ann loved to travel and took many memorable trips.

Through the years Norm was an active supporter of his grandchildren and great-grandson’s sports and other activities. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and continue to love him.

Left to celebrate Norm’s life are his wife Mari Ann, whom would have been married for 68 years in August; his children: Jeffery (Juanita) DeLong of Cedar Rapids, Ann Richards of Rochester, MN, Jo Beth (Lee) Nehl of Hazleton and Lisa Hamilton of Oelwein; his grandchildren: JoliAnn, Joshua, Jeremy, Rhiannon, Kate, Claire, Lydia, Luke and Lauren; his great-grandchildren: Jaxton, Avenly and Graham; his siblings: Gene (Florence) DeLong of Oelwein and Alice (Roger) Mangan of Littleton, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Helen DeLong; his son Stephen DeLong on July 9, 2009; his infant brother Kenneth DeLong; and his son-in-law Brad Richards.

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Ramesh mehan on February 4, 2024 at 11:13 PM said:

I worked with Norm at Donaldson company at Oelwein Iowa from 1979 to 1983 and admired his honesty and hard work. He had a very strong presence.
While I did not keep in touch with him, I alway he was an important part of my professional career while I was cutting teach as an engineering manager.
I learnt a lot from him in labor relation as well as how to have a good time.
I just accidentally ran into his abituary and like to express my condolences to Marianne .
May his soul rest in peace

Dave & Janalyn Shultz on June 24, 2021 at 4:05 PM said:

Norm was one of my favorites among my parents’ friends. I always enjoyed so much being around Norm, Mari Ann, and your entire family and truly missed them long before now. It was always great news when we were told the DeLongs were coming to visit, even as we got older. Our prayers, sympathy, and thoughts go out to you.

CRAIG CHASE on June 10, 2021 at 12:33 PM said:

I am so sorry for your loss. I have many very fond memories of Norm as I was growing up in the 7th Avenue neighborhood and after you moved to the acreage. The most treasured is when unfortunately my dog bit Norm in the leg when he was painting his own house. My dog wasn't really fond of men and really didn't like men with things in their hands. Of course, Norm had a paint brush and my dog took issue with that. Norm, being Norm, came up to our house and told my parents that he would understand the dog biting him at our house, but not while he is at his own. While clearly it was not funny at the time, it became a conversation piece over time. As I was growing up I saw Norm's dedication and love for his family and friends and felt a sense of belonging each and every time I was visiting the house. Thank you Norm for the great memories!

Deb Meyer on June 8, 2021 at 11:50 AM said:

All of my memories of each every one of you are warm and loving. You were all such an important part of my growing up. While my heart breaks for each of you at the loss of Norm, I am also happy thinking of his reunion with Steve, and all those family members who went before him. I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Beth Kirkpatrick Egan on June 8, 2021 at 9:07 AM said:

I spent a lot of time growing up practically as another child in the De Long home as a friend of their daughter, JoBeth. I was always welcomed and made to feel one of the family. Norm and my dad, Howard, worked at Donaldsons together so that meant we also attended the same company picnics and holiday parties. What great memories I have of all of it!

What a great couple and loving parents to not only their own children but many others like myself, I’m sure. RIP Norm. You will never be forgotten. Our condolences to the family. God bless.

Lynn and Jeff Reinert on June 7, 2021 at 9:37 PM said:

Thinking of you all. Norm was a great neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Denny & Marcia Pepin on June 7, 2021 at 11:19 AM said:

Sincere condolences to all of Norms family. He was a great neighbor and always enjoyed talking with him. Prayers to you all !

Colleen Flynn Irvine on June 6, 2021 at 6:48 AM said:

Growing up in the "neighborhood" with the DeLongs in such a beautiful place holds many memories. I didn't know the DeLongs well, but always knew them as the kind, caring people on the corner. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this life now.

Suzanne Sprague Bufton on June 5, 2021 at 1:40 PM said:

Dear Mari Ann and family,

The years of friendship, travels, and intersecting
lives of family and friends and as always his unique
voice and charm will be remembered warmly by the Sprague-Shultz clan.

With deepest sympathy,

Suzanne and M. Richard

Bruce Sperry on June 5, 2021 at 11:29 AM said:

Norm was a loyal Donaldson employee and Oelwein booster.

Bob, Cindy Hill, Marlin and Denise Lincoln on June 5, 2021 at 6:26 AM said:

Mari Ann and Kids - We are so sorry and extend our most sincere sympathy to all of you. We recall such wonderful memories. Norm's voice and laugh was one of a kind, the best kind. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all.

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