Norman Ray Verros the oldest child of David and Julia (Van Arkel) Verros was born on August 8, 1936, in Oskaloosa Iowa. He and his parents lived on a farm near Harvey Iowa until he was 2 years old. They then moved to a farm west of Otley, Iowa where his brother Marvin and sister Myra were born.

Norm attended Summit School until the school closed, finishing his elementary education at the school located in Otley, Iowa. He graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1954 and Central College in 1958 with a degree in Physics. After his graduation from Central, Norm enrolled in the summer semester of Iowa State University with a goal of getting an Engineering degree. However the Korean War changed his plans, and he enlisted in the Army Reserves, taking his basic training in Missouri and New Jersey.

On September 23, 1959, Norm married Lorraine Poortinga, the daughter of Francis and Francene Poortinga. Just a few months earlier he had begun employment at the Pella Rolscreen (later Pella Corp) as the 2nd engineer in the engineering department. Norm and Lorraine lived in Pella for a few years. Their son, Steven James was born there in 1963. In 1964 they moved to a small farm they had purchased west of Pella. It was there their daughter, Lynn Renae was born in 1967. Norm continued to work at Pella Corp for 36 years and would spend his spare time on Saturdays and evenings farming. After his retirement from Pella Corp, Norm purchased and rented additional land and continued to farm 200 acres west of Pella until 2023. He then sold the farm and retired from farming. Norm had a great love for the land and strived to be a good steward of it. He was recognized by Marion County and Soil Conservation Region 6 for his accomplishments in soil and water conservation and proper land use.

Norm made confession of his faith as a teenager and was an active member of the Otley Reformed Church where he sang with the choir and in a men's quartet. He taught an adult Sunday School class and served as a deacon and elder. Norm and Lorraine became members of Trinity Church in Pella in 2021. Norm served on the boards of Pella Community Schools, Pella Community Hospital and the Christian Benevolent Association. After his retirement from Pella Corp, Norm taught himself to play the guitar and mandolin and enjoyed playing gospel bluegrass music in jam session and attending bluegrass festivals.

Norm died on September 1, 2024, at the Comfort House following a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Lorraine, his children Steve (Zena) Verros, Lynn Verros, his grandchildren Megan (Brian) Vanderpool, Sarah (Tyler) Lyons, great grandson, Liam Lyons, brother Marvin Verros, sister Myra Verros, brother & sister-in-law Gene & Helen Poortinga along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents David & Julia Verros and parents-in-law Francis G & Francene Poortinga.

Norm will be missed by his family and friends, but we have comfort in the promise of our Savior and Lord. I Thessalonians 4:13-14

Trinity Church
Pella IA

Hospice of Pella - Day of Care
Pella IA