Dorothy Jane Norris

Dorothy Jane Norris, 99, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, November 1, 2013 at Bethany Riverside Care Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Friday, November 8, 2013 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City with Pastor Sean McRoberts officiating. Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Friday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Dorothy J. Norris memorial fund in care of the family. Dorothy Jane Norris was born November 20, 1913 in Rockford, Iowa, the daughter of Alfred and Birdie (Cook) Symes. She was raised on a farm in Rockford, IA and married Edward Norris on March 1, 1941 in Mason City, Iowa. They farmed north of Mason City while raising their three children Ralph, Karen, and Sheryl. She lived on the family farm until she moved to town in 1976. Dorothy retired from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in 1978. After her retirement, she traveled and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren before she settled down in La Crosse, WI. She often traveled back to Mason City with a dear friend, Martha Davis, and they made sure to stop at every restaurant they came upon. Dorothy was known for her amazing sense of humor and sharing a persistent smile with all that came to know her. Dorothy enjoyed playing cards with her friends, needlework, dancing, listening to Lawrence Welk and the Statler Brothers, baking, and spending as much time as she could with her beloved family. She was renown amongst family and friends for her homemade peanut clusters, constantly baking bread, and her scrumptious cinnamon rolls. On Sunday nights, you could rest assured Dorothy was at home munching on popcorn, enjoying her fudge, and watching 60 Minutes. Dorothy was also a proud member of First United Methodist Church and Queen Rebecca’s Lodge for many years. Dorothy is survived by her children: Ralph (Tammy) Norris of San Clemente, CA; Karen Riordon of Palatine, IL; Sheryl (Ken) Davis of Onalaska, WI; grandchildren: Scott (Verena) Davis of Onalaska, WI; Sarah (Paul) Craig of Holmen, WI; Brad Norris of Orange, CA; and Greg (Sarah) Norris of San Clemente, CA. She is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren she deeply adored, Hannah and Gavin Davis, and Emily Norris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward in 1973; two brothers, Walter and Ray Symes; and two sisters, Clara Baker and Ethel Symes. Dorothy lived an extremely rich and fulfilling life; she will be deeply missed by her friends and family.

Cemetery:
Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Dorothy J. Norris memorial fund in care of the family.

Visitation:
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Friday.

Service:
Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Friday, November 8, 2013 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Sean McRoberts officiating.