Norma Agnes Kelchen – Manchester

Norma Agnes Kelchen, 84, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on February 28, 1939, in Dyersville, the daughter of George and Sedella
(Kramer) Helle and Joan (Jaeger) Helle, her “mom” since she was five years old. She attended Xavier schools in
Dyersville and graduated in 1956 from Xavier High School.
On January 23, 1960, Norma was united in marriage to Gerald “Gerry” Kelchen at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in
Dyersville. Six children were born to this union. Together they farmed in Delaware County until moving to
Manchester in 1974. She worked at Pamida for 20 years, until the store closed and then Hardees making biscuits
for 10 years.
Norma was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She spent many, many hours in prayer. Norma
enjoyed baking, quilting, reading, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and
extended family. She loved dancing with Gerry and her lunches with her sisters and classmates each month. Norma
also enjoyed her time at Hardees with friends. Norma’s large snowman collection was displayed every year for all
to enjoy.
Survivors include her six children, Dan (Patti) Kelchen of Edgewood, David (Christine) Kelchen of Vinton, Lori
(Tom) Bunting of Edgewood, John (Cindy) Kelchen of Manchester, Terry (Christine) Kelchen of Dyersville, and Sara
(Joe) Richter of Earlville; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Pearl Kelchen of Cedar Rapids,
George (Connie) Helle of Anamosa, LeRoy (Margie) Helle of Hopkinton, Paul (Stella) Helle of Dyersville, Frank
(JoAnn) Helle of Dyersville, Marlene (Ambrose) Koopmann of Epworth, Ruth (Larry) Griffin of Dubuque, Bob
(Cami) Helle of Dyersville, LuAnn (Bob) Cigrand of Cascade, Joanie (Tom) Tauke of Greeley, and Doris (Clair)
Riesburg of Dyersville; sisters-in-law, Roselyn Kelchen of Dyersville, Rose Ann Kelchen and Mary Kelchen both of
Edgewood; and many nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald Kelchen; and sisters, Sister MaryAnn Helle,
Janet (John) Schwendinger, and Kathleen Helle in infancy; her brother, Henry Helle, and by the Kelchen family.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com .
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 10, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa,
with Reverend Gabriel Anderson presiding.
Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa.
Friends may also call on Thursday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home.
Interment: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery-Manchester, Iowa