Norma Jean Gesell, 95, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2023, in her home, in Rockford, IL.

She was born April 24, 1928, to Alfred O. Stimes and Doris (Chilson) Stimes, and lived her childhood years in Capron, IL. She married Donald Hugh Gesell on April 10, 1949. They farmed north of Belvidere until Don's death in 2004. In later years, she lived in Rockford; the past 10 years at Wesley Willows.

Norma dedicated her life in the service of her family, community, and faith. She was a life long Methodist, in the Capron Church as a child, and joining Belvidere United Methodist Church as a young wife and mother. She was especially involved with the United Methodist Women, as a member of the Women's Circle Group, chairing many church dinners, cookie sales, and as the head of the crafts portion of the Annual Christmas Bazaar. Starting in 1986, she served almost 20 years as a commissioner for the Belvidere Township Park District. The highlight of her service was the complete historic renovation of the Baltic Mill, and the establishment of Aberdeen and Doty Parks. As a farm wife, she was active in the Boone County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, where she was instrumental in developing Ag in the classroom, an educational program for all Boone County 4th graders, in cooperation with CUSD's 100 and 200. She was honored to be appointed to the Illinois State Farm Bureau Women's Committee. She was a member of the Belvidere Federated Women's Club, where she held several offices, including President and chaired the Arts in the Park art show held every June at Big Thunder Park. Norma was also active in the Boone County Fire Protection District #2 Women's Auxiliary, supporting the volunteer fire fighters serving rural Boone County. Her husband, Don, helped establish the fire district in 1952 and was both a volunteer fire fighter and a trustee for the district.

She was a loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren referred to her as "Pie," as she would often refer to them as "Sweetie Pie." Her childhood nickname was Sutz, which is probably a variation on the Norwegian word Sots, which means sweet.

She felt her greatest legacy was her family. She is survived by her children; Marsha (Byron) Mehl, Jim (Maureen) Gesell, Barb (Bill) Way, Tom (Darlene) Gesell, and Art (Brigid) Gesell, her Grandchildren; Matt Rothermel, Mandy Richardson, Jared Mehl, Emily Mehl, Donny Gesell, Michael Gesell, Katie Young, Nick Way, Britta Gesell, and Julia Gesell, as well as her eight Great Grandchildren.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband Don and eldest daughter, Debby (Bruce) Rothermel.

She was a fierce friend and mentor. Her examples of selflessness, service, humility, and unconditional love will be an inspiration to generations of her family to follow.

She will have a private family burial in the Belvidere Cemetery with a celebration of life event in the future. Remembrance can be in the form of a charitable donation to one of her favorite organizations: The Salvation Army of Rockford or the Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Willows.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services.