Norma Joan Emerson

Norma Joan (Weirbach) Emerson, 92, of Fairfield, Iowa passed away November 28, 2024. Norma was born, December 4, 1931, to Edward R. and Leora G. (Given) Weirbach, at home near Farson, Wapello County, Iowa.

Norma grew up on a number of farms in Wapello and Jefferson Counties. She became a permanent resident of Fairfield in 1945 when the family settled on a farm north of town. It rested on a dirt road with no running water or electricity. She and her younger sister, Jeanie, rode a horse in tandem to country school (bareback). Working outside with their dad, the sisters milked cows, put up hay, shucked corn by hand, and cleaned many hog pens, horse stalls, and cow barns.

Norma married Max O. Emerson, December, 24, 1948. They raised their family in Fairfield and were married for 64 years until Max’s death in 2013. Max was a lifetime hunter and fisherman. Norma always told people, “If it can fly, swim, walk, or run, I’ve probably cooked it.” 

She worked at Fairfield car dealerships for 35 years as a title clerk, bookkeeper, and secretary. She retired from Danielson Motor Company in 1996. Norma was a member of the First Lutheran Church for over 70 years. She was also a member of the First National Bank Heritage Club.

Norma was an avid country music fan. She chauffeured a carload of sisters, her daughter, and many nieces all over Iowa and beyond to attend concerts for many years. She was a charter member of the Country Music Society of America, and a fan club member of over a dozen country music stars including George Strait, Willie Nelson, The Statler Brothers, and Eddie Rabbit. She also enjoyed reading, raising tropical fish, photography, arranging family reunions, and gathering for big holiday get-togethers.

Norma is survived by her children, Janet (Gary) Craven of Boone, Iowa, Bruce (Cinda) Emerson of Fairfield, and Tracy Emerson of Fairfield; grandchildren, Kelly Anderson, Shane Kramer, Greg Kramer, Brian Kramer, Erin Kruger, Sarah House, Tina Devery, Chad Emerson, Damion Goodrich, and Gerrad Goodrich; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; and her sister, Jean (Weirbach) Cochran.

Preceding Norma in death were her parents, Edward and Leora Weirbach; husband, Max Emerson; sister, Shirley (Weirbach) Hahn; brothers, Robert Weirbach and Richard Weirbach; and grandson, Todd Craven.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Fairfield at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024 with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Lutheran Church in Fairfield would be appreciated. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.