Norma L. Heiny

MASON CITY: Norma Lou Wickland West Heiny peacefully bridged from the loving arms of her family to the open arms of Jesus on Friday, July 29, 2016. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 12, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia with Rev. Kathy R. Moore officiating. Per Norma’s request, her body will be cremated. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church.

Norma was born July 17, 1930 to Erick Frederick and Martha Evaline (McCristal) Wickland in Audubon, IA. She graduated from Armstrong (IA) High School in 1948. She pursued a nursing career after attending Drake University, graduating from Iowa Methodist Nursing School in Des Moines, IA. She enjoyed caring for her patients at Children’s Memorial and Chicago Wesley Hospitals in Chicago, IL. She married George H. West Jr. on September 13, 1952 in Evanston, IL. They moved to Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan. In 1957, they returned to the Chicago area while George completed his medical residencies. This union was blessed with four children: George Humphrey III, Martha Lynn, Paul Erick and Elizabeth Jay. In 1962 they moved to Mason City where George started his Internal Medicine practice and Norma became deeply involved in civic activities while continuing her passion of caring for others. On July 24, 1982, she married James R. Heiny in Mason City. They enjoyed a happy life filled with travel, fun, and grandkids. She ensured family gatherings were infused with good food, music, fun and games. Norma created many loving memories for her family, was a person who could laugh at herself and found the good in others. She and Jim became avid Newman High baseball fans after their grandson Jonathan joined the team.

Norma took great pride in her service to the Mason City community. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, participating on numerous commissions and serving Wednesday night meals. She presided over the Methodist Commission which determined it would donate the Stockman House to the City, the action was recognized for architectural preservation. Norma served at the Door Opener, a facility which helped displaced women launch their careers. She was appointed by Governors Ray and Branstad to terms on the (former) Iowa Commission for Displaced Homemakers. She cherished her membership with P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter GN, TTT, History Club, Laphel Study Club, and Needles group, serving as a 50+ year member of some of the organizations. She served on the Cerro Gordo County Board of Health and Visiting Nurses Association, and she volunteered with Red Cross, MacNider Art Museum, the RISE program and Cub Scouts. Needlework, genealogy, reading and birdwatching were enjoyable hobbies for her.

She is survived by her devoted husband Jim; son George West (Anne), Minneapolis, MN; daughters Martha Krone (Phil), Sioux City, IA, and Liz Tusler, Irmo, SC; daughter-in-law Jennifer West, White Fish Bay, WI; 16 grandchildren: Erick and Jacqueline Krone; Bradley and Elizabeth West; Erick, Colin and Parker West; Jessica and Samantha Tusler; Jonathan and Meredith Heiny; Emily, Sam and Nathan Hohenshell; Jackson Smith and MaKenzie Heiny; great-granddaughter Abigail Kitchings; step children Jon Heiny, Jane Heiny Smith (John), Ann Hohenshell (Jeff), Tom Heiny (Lisa), sister Wilma Western (Ray), nieces Jane Ann Western and Peggy Rae Massello (Dave), and cousin Donald Campbell.

She will join in heaven her beloved son Paul Erick, her niece Sara Rene, her parents, cousin Gordon Campbell and mother and father in-law, Lola and Albin Heiny.

“Thank you all who have contributed to my life in word, thought and deed, enabling me to travel through difficult times and reach the mountaintop experiences I have been privileged to enjoy. Blessings on you all!”