Marilyn Juanita Norbom, 89, of Galva, passed away peacefully at 4:45 a.m., Sunday, July 30, 2019 at Cornerstone Rehabilitation in Peoria, IL. A celebration of life will begin with attendance to the 9:00 a.m. church service at Grace United Methodist Church in Galva on Sunday, August 18th with a luncheon following at 11:00 a.m.; provided by Marilyn’s friends at Grace United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with Pastor Karen Martin of Grace United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at the Galva Cemetery.
Following Marilyn’s burial, friends and family are welcome to attend a cremation burial ceremony with Military Honors for Marilyn’s eldest son, Garry Eugene Norbom who passed away on November 27, 2018.
Marilyn is preceded in death by husband, Harry Dean Norbom; parents Lou Vern and Bessie (Eibeck) McBride; son, Garry Eugene Norbom; son, Robert Charles Norbom; grandson, Joseph Eugene Norbom; sister, L. Josephine (McBride) Plunk; brother-in-law, Monroe Plunk; sister-in-law, Leona (Norbom) Crossan; niece, Cheryl Crossan; and nephew, James Monroe Plunk.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter-in-law, Debra (Grice) Norbom; four grandchildren, Amy (Norbom) Verdes Terblanche, Nathan Stevens and Zachary and McKenzie Norbom; great granddaughter, Veola Terblanche; nieces and nephews, Constance (Plunk) Brian Harland, Julie (Crossan) Lieter, Mary (Crossan) Lanny Johnson and Christopher Crossan; great nieces and nephews; Juliet, Brad, Johnathan (Hunt) Ashley Lutes, Janelle (Harland) Nick Cross, Jacki (Jones) Doug Wyman, Jonathan Jones, Abe Dunning (Marie), Andy Dunning (Tina), Aaron Dunning (Jennifer), Anne (Lieter) Steve Barnes, Tony Lieter, Michael Johnson (Jennifer), Mathew Johnson and Nicholas Johnson (Sabrina), and many great-great nieces and nephews, including Alexendar and Kyrah Gross, Georgina Cross, Greg and Sarah Wyman.
Marilyn was born in Kewanee, IL on November 12, 1929, daughter of Lou Vern and Bessie (Eibeck) McBride. She graduated from Kewanee High School. Married Harry Dean Norbom in 1948 and moved to Galva, IL that same year. She worked in textiles in Kewanee to later Apparel Merchandising at Murnens Clothing before waitressing at Boston Restaurant followed by Woodhull Plaza; where she had the opportunity to serve many celebrities; many of which were the country music stars of the day.
Marilyn was outgoing and had a fun-loving spirit. She enjoyed outings and travels with friends and family; one of her most memorable trips was to Japan. She was active in community volunteering, including the local food bank and Senior Citizen Center of Galva. She loved her church family and enjoyed singing church hymns. An active member in (UMW) United Methodist Women’s Group; Treasurer for many years at Grace United Methodist Church. Bowling was a favorite pastime of hers, that she enjoyed doing together with her husband Harry Dean Norbom. She was on a women’s bowling league for many years, receiving numerous trophies from her wins.
She was exceptionally talented in the arts. Something she would pass on to her children and grandchildren. She was an amazing seamstress; enjoyed knitting; sewing doll clothes for her granddaughter, Amy; creating and selling crafts with her sister, Josephine; baking and gardening. Marilyn loved collectibles and had an impressive doll collection. She loved to find that one of a kind.
Marilyn was kind and sincere. She had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, enjoyable to be around. She would always think of others and keep them in her prayers. She had an immense love for her family. Loved to sing praise to God. Her presence will be deeply missed.
Memorials may be offered at Rux Funeral Home. The family of Marilyn Norbom wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff that provided wonderful care and help given by Compassus Hospice, Cornerstone Rehab in Peoria, and Courtyard Estates of Peoria. This obituary may be viewed and private condolences left at www.ruxfuneralhome.com.
