Norman Gene Meyer

Norman (Norm) Meyer passed away on July 17, 2026, at the age of 86.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Pastor Dan Jessop will be officiating. The visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until service time, burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Williamsburg.

Norm was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on January 23rd, 1940. He grew up on the family farm north of Clarinda, where he had many special memories. He contracted and survived polio during the later stages of World War II. He graduated from Clarinda High School in 1958 and received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Drake University in 1962.

Norm married Carolyn (Scurlock) on August 4th, 1963 and enjoyed nearly 63 years of marriage filled with laughter and love. He once wrote, “Carolyn, seems like yesterday… and you know what a WONDERFUL day yesterday was!! All My Love, me.”

Norm was a dedicated instrumental music teacher in Iowa for 37 years. He started his teaching career in the East Buchanan School District (towns of Winthrop and Quasqueton) where he met Carolyn who was also teaching there. Next he taught in the Linn Mar School District (Marion), then finished his last 22 years in the Independence School District (Independence). He inspired countless students through his passion directing marching, concert, and jazz bands. With his endless patience, his favorite role was starting students on their instruments as early as 4th and 5th grade.

Norm was a talented musician and vocalist himself and once held the Clarinda record for top scores at high school solo and ensemble contests. At Drake University, he played in all their bands and held several officer positions. Following graduation and during his teaching career, he continued to play in local and regional jazz big bands. He especially enjoyed the stylings of Glenn Miller, with whom he shared a birthplace of Clarinda, Iowa.

Norm was a talented woodworker crafting many pens, mirrors, jewelry boxes, and model cars, trucks, and tractors significant to the family. His favorite projects, however, involved working with his grandchildren building anything and everything, making sure to keep them safe even when using a screwdriver. Norm also loved the outdoors, spending time fishing and camping in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Norm had a dry sense of humor in which it was often difficult to tell if he was joking. His delivery often bewildered his audience, as the punchline was always long and drawn out. Entertaining his family was one of his favorite pastimes, and his jokes and stories live on through those who heard them many times.

Norm is survived by his wife Carolyn, sons Nathan (Sara) and Steven (Jen), son-in-law James Elliott, grandchildren Kyle, Christian, Hope, Carolyn, Annika, Britta, Dane, Easton, siblings Warren (Trish), Gordon, Phyllis (John) Jensen, Marlene Patton, and many nieces and nephews.

Norm is preceded in death by his daughter Lynne Elliott, his parents Wilbur and Wilma (Sunderman) Meyer, his paternal grandparents John and Eliazbeth Meyer, and his maternal grandparents Ed and Alvina Sunderman.

The Meyer family extends gratitude for the love and support during this time. A special thank you to his neighbors and healthcare providers at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Please join us in remembering and celebrating Norm, a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher, and friend to many.