Norman Moklestad

Norman Moklestad died Saturday May 27, 2023 from heart failure after a courageous and uncomplaining battle. Norman was born February 17, 1926 in Forest City, Iowa to Peter and Ruth Moklestad.

Norman graduated from Forest City High school in 1944, and after graduating he would continue on with one of his lifelong passions in farming for two years. In 1946, Norman served in the Philippines following WWII. After returning from the army, Norman went back to farming and then attended Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa.

In 1949, Norman got engaged to the love of his life Mavis. Norman and Mavis got married May 31, 1950, and were married for 72 beautiful years. They were a match made in heaven, and their amazing love for each other glowed on everyone around them, and will continue on to be a great example of what a true God centered marriage should look like.

In June 1950, Norman and Mavis moved to Ames, Iowa where Norman continued his education at Iowa State University and graduated in 1952 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture with a minor in Animal Science and Farm Management. Norman taught Vocational Agriculture for 10 years and was also a 4-H director and youth director for a year.

Norman and Mavis moved to Humboldt, Iowa in 1961 where Norman was a county extension director for 25 years, while Mavis was a choir director and piano teacher at the time. They cherished every moment raising their four children: Nancy, Tim, Mark, and Teresa.

Norman and Mavis then moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1986, where Norman worked at the Iowa Dairy Association as Executive Secretary for 17 years and Mavis continued on with her piano lessons and choir directing. They were both avidly involved in their church and loved serving others there in multiple ways.

Norman and Mavis had the most beautiful marriage anyone has ever seen. Their love for each other was so genuine, and Norman's love for all of his family was very evident as well. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, as he loved playing basketball with them, playing games, and was always so supportive in going to their church events, as well as all of their sports and music events.

Norman was known and respected as a Godly, compassionate, kind, and out of self man who always served others with a smile and sincere heart. He was an exceedingly dedicated, thoughtful, and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Norman leaves behind his loving wife Mavis, four children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren, along with countless friends and acquaintances. Norman is predeceased by his mother and father Ruth and Peter Moklestad, and brother Bob Moklestad.

Norman’s spiritual faith was always his source of strength, and that was very evident in the way he lived out his life on a daily basis. Norman and Mavis always attended church and undoubtedly loved God. Norman is now in heaven rejoicing with Jesus, but will forever be in our hearts until we one day see him again.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Iles Westover Chapel. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. (prior to the service). Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.