Norbert J. Gerleman, 93, of rural Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Norbert was born on July 25, 1932, in Ossian, Iowa, the son of Leo and Lorraine (Zweibimer) Gerleman. He graduated from Cresco High School. Norbert was called to serve his country during the Korean War. He joined the United States Air Force on May 21, 1952, in Des Moines and was honorably discharged on April 20, 1956, at the Manhattan Beach Air Force Station in Brooklyn, New York. Following his return from the service, he went to Missouri and farmed with his brother, Charles. Norbert was united in marriage to Mary Jo Leu on July 18, 1959, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant. After 62 years of marriage Mary Jo preceded him in death on September 25, 2021.
Norbert worked for the Water Department for the City of Mount Pleasant, and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown. Norbert had a love of the land and enjoyed farming; he was proud that during the hard times he was able to hold on to his farm. Norbert was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant.
Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Tim Gerleman of Mt. Pleasant, Todd Gerleman of Lockridge, Tina Opzeeland of Oregon City, Oregon, and Troy Gerleman of Ottumwa, eleven grandchildren, Jessica Landess, Jamie Pardell, Jacque Gerleman, Jalyn Gerleman, Alex Gerleman, Liam Gerleman, Gabriel Opzeeland, Gavin Opzeeland, Dominic Gerleman, Katelyn Gerleman, and Anna Gerleman, and six great grandchildren, Teagan Landess, Coral Landess, Ezra Pardell, Tanner Pardell and Brecken Michael Lally and little baby Lally on the way, and his sister, Mary Ann Sadler of Burlington, along with many nieces and nephews.
Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Jo, and three brothers, Charles Gerleman, Gerald Gerleman and Edwin Gerleman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with Father Ross Epping officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery in Mount Pleasant with Military Honors. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Memorials in his memory may be directed to Compassus Hospice.
Norberts family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses who gave wonderful care for their father for the past 8 years, so that he was able to stay on the farm. This was such a huge blessing to Norbert and his family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Norbert.