Norman Allen Vote's Obituary
Norman Allen Vote, 82, of Melrose, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on the morning of Sunday, June 8th, 2025.
Norman was born on September 20th, 1942, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Darold and LaVera (Biskeborn) Vote. He spent his formative years outside of Somers, Iowa. His high school days were colored with numerous legendary tales, adventuring with his solid group of friends. Though he had no siblings, his cousins, Kay (Stringer/Williams) and Charlene (Vote/Peterson), were like sisters to him, sharing in his childhood. Norman's lifelong passion for farming and mechanical ingenuity blossomed early, cultivated by helping his father on the family farm.
After graduating from Somers High School, he pursued his mechanical interests at Dunwoody, a Mechanics Training program in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was there that his cousin Kay introduced him to Charlene L. Cooper, a student at the University of Iowa, who would later become his beloved wife. Norman and Charlene married on January 4th, 1964, at the United Methodist Church in Manson, Iowa.
After, they settled in Farnhamville, where they raised three daughters. There, he also established his own successful tractor repair shop, Vote Garage. However, the call of the land was strong, and he soon began farming again alongside his father, managing his mechanical business with his agricultural pursuits. Norman dedicated approximately 30 years of service to the Farnhamville Fire Department, admirably serving as fire chief for half of that time.
In 1998, a new chapter began when the rental property that Norman had farmed his entire life became unavailable. Driven by a lifelong dream of owning his land, he and his wife embarked on a courageous move to Melrose, Iowa. At the age of 59, they bravely established themselves in a new community, quickly adapting to the challenges of the region's hillier terrain and new farming standards.
He was known for his warm and inclusive volunteeristic spirit, always extending a welcome to others and offering a helping hand. Norm formed legendary friendships and served as a sage mentor to many.
He later found a loving companion in Joyce of Seymour, Iowa. They married in September of 2014 and together, they enjoyed a wonderful decade of cherished golden years filled with happiness and shared experiences.
Norman is survived by his wife, Joyce Vote of Melrose, Iowa; his two loving daughters and their spouses, Valerie and Randy Castle of Promise City, Iowa, and Melanie Vote and Julien Gardair of Brooklyn, NY; his step-daughter, Kim and Hoss McKay of Creston, Iowa; his only grandson, Jeffery Comegys of Oregon; as well as several granddaughters and great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, LaVera and Darold Vote of Farnhamville; his late wife, Charlene; his daughter, Natalie Carter; and grandson, Jacob Comegys.
Visitation will take place Monday, June 16, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 4:00PM-5:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 5:00PM at the funeral home directly following the visitation. Per wishes, cremation will follow the service, and burial will take place Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 2PM at the Gowrie Township Cemetery. Memorials have been established to the Iconium Community Church, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Vote Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
To watch the service online, please click the link below or visit: https://my.gather.app/remember/norman-vote
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