HELEN I. NORVELL
Helen Irene Norvell, one of two children of Roy Reuben and Sarah Jane (Hull) Davis, was born February 25, 1923 in Nebraska City. Shortly after, the family moved to a farm near Julian where Helen was raised. She attended rural school near her home growing up and then Auburn High School.
On August 22, 1940 Helen eloped with LaVerne LeRoy Norvell and they were married in Iowa. Helen and LaVerne made their home in Nemaha County, and were blessed with a daughter, Sharon.
Helen first worked at the Danny Dare factory as a cutter and then at Chris Simon’s Drug Store. When the new high school was built in Auburn, Helen went to work as a cook in the cafeteria, where she was in charge of the baking. She was known to hand out any of the extra cinnamon rolls to the boys that were still hungry.
As an adult, Helen was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church where she would hold membership the rest of her life. Helen loved dancing, anytime there was a big band playing within driving distance, she and LaVerne were there. She enjoyed baking, cinnamon rolls and pies were her specialties, and sharing her baked goods brought her much joy. Helen had quite the sweet tooth, chocolate candy and Dr. Pepper being her favorites. Helen always said Dr. Pepper was the best doctor there was. Helen was rarely seen without an abundance of jewelry on, often referring to herself as part-gypsy. She was an ornery, spunky woman, joking and playing tricks up until her final days.
In January of 2012, when they were no longer able to stay on the farm, Helen and LaVerne moved to Colonial Acres in Humboldt. It was there that Helen passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2018, having reached the age of 95 years, 8 months, and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LaVerne, and brother Robert Davis.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Dean Bogle of Humboldt; grandchildren Dena Stevenson, Delyn and wife Betsy Bogle; great-grandchildren Corbin, Taylor, Ivy, and Paxton Bogle, Darby and husband Logan Eggers; sister-in-law Rosalie Davis; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held Sunday, November 11, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Ken Miller. Rich Allgood and Ron Heskett sang a duet, Edith Schlange played accompaniment for congregational hymns.
Darby Eggers, Corbin Bogle, Ivy Bogle, Mark Harms, Frank Critser, and Dennis Volkman served as casket bearers. Honorary bearers were Taylor Bogle, Paxton Bogle, Roberta and Greg Lockard, and Ruth Ann Gutierrez.
Burial followed in Sheridan Cemetery at Auburn.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.