Norma Arlene Putnam's Obituary
Norma Arlene Putnam of Unionville, MO passed away Sunday September 28, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa after a short stay there.
Norma was born in Waukon, Iowa, on September 16, 1941, the daughter of Leonard and Thelma (Tabler) Hagen. She grew up on a farm near Waterville and attended Waterville Schools, graduating with the class of 1959. In her youth, she was very active in 4H. She enjoyed showing Shorthorn Cattle at the Allamakee County Fair. Norma's mother taught her to sew at an early age, and it led to a lifelong hobby and passion for sewing, quilting and mending. Evident by her many projects, including wall hangings, paper piecing, drapes, clothes for people, and countless beautiful quilts.
After High School, Norma went on to attend The American Institute of Business in Des Moines. Her first career was as a legal secretary. Later she attended University of Northern Iowa where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She started teaching special education at Newtown Schools in Newtown, Missouri. She then moved on to teach at Putnam County Schools in Unionville, MO until retirement.
Norma married Henry Putnam in Centerville, Iowa, on April 18, 1981. Together they made their home in Centerville, moving to Unionville, MO in the fall of 1982. They attended West Liberty Baptist Church and later Midway Baptist Church. Norma loved Gardening. She and Henry had a garden by the house as well as a huge garden by the old bus barn. She canned a lot of vegetables and grape juice. The PC Café was a very special place to Norma. She served on the board, volunteered a lot and enjoyed meals there Monday through Friday.
By far the most important part of Norma's life was her unwavering faith in Jesus as her savior.
Norma was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Mary Ann Hagen, brother-in-law Vern Hanson, and nephews Mark Hanson and Kyle Steffenson.
She is survived by her sisters Helen Hanson of Monona, Iowa, and Karen (Glen) Steffenson of Elizabeth, IL, Nieces and Nephews Todd (Karla) Hanson, Scott Hanson, Erik Hagen Steffenson, Jon (Sandy) Broughton, and Sara (Scott) Peelman as well as several great nieces and great nephews.
Funeral Services for Norma will be held Saturday October 4, 2025, at 11:00 at Midway Baptist Church west of Unionville with visitation 1 hour prior, beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at West Liberty Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Norma's memory to the PC Café and Resource Center or Midway Baptist Church (Missionaries) and may be entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.
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