Norris and Jane Gronert

November 11, 2020

Norris “Norry” Gronert, 90, and Jane (McQuillen) Gronert, 89, of Marion, Iowa, succumbed to COVID-19 two hours apart, on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at Keystone Cedars Assisted Living Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Out of respect for the health of others, there will be no services at this time. Norry was born on April 4, 1930, in Creston, Iowa, the son of Frank and Jessica (Kaiserlik) Gronert. The family later moved to Tipton, Iowa. Jane was born on May 4, 1931, in Bennett, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer “Butch” and Verna (Pahl) McQuillen. They met in 8th grade at Tipton Community Schools after a fire at the Bennett school required that students bus to Tipton. The two were high school sweethearts. They married on July 9, 1951, in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Norry served honorably in the United States Navy. The couple settled in Midway, Iowa, where they lived for more than 60 years. Norry worked at Collins Radio (Rockwell Collins) for 37 years. Jane was a homemaker and teacher’s aide in the Alburnett Community Schools. They were long-time members of the Toddville Free Methodist Church, where Jane taught Sunday School and Norry served on the board. Norry was active in the Otter Creek Lions Club and the Toddville American Legion Post #674, earning many awards for distinguished service. Jane was likewise recognized for her dedication to blood donation over the years. Norry and Jane were avid fans of Iowa Hawkeye Football and Basketball, Chicago Cubs Baseball, and Chicago Bears Football. They enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and will be greatly missed by family, friends, and those who were blessed to know them. Norris and Jane are survived by their four daughters, Joyce (Randy) Skibbe of Tiffin, Iowa, Joan Gronert of Coralville, Iowa, Jill (Mark) Hurt of Marion, Iowa, and Jan (Mike) Rosko of Monument, Colorado; six grandchildren, Adam (Shannon) Skibbe, Jessica (Kyle) Fountain, Shelby (Zach) Cooper, Derek (Laura) Hurt, Anna Rosko, and Ben Rosko; eight great-grandchildren; and Norry’s brother, Walter Gronert of Grimes, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews across three generations. They were preceded in death by their parents; Norry’s siblings, Frank Gronert, John Gronert, Josephine “Sis” Nanninga, Norbert “Nub” Gronert, and Maurine Hostler; Jane’s siblings, Wayne McQuillen, Lyle McQuillen, Eshter Clemens, and Jane’s twin, Joyce, who passed when the girls were ten. In lieu of flowers, gifts in their memory may be directed to the Otter Creek Lions Club or the Toddville American Legion Post #674. The family extends a special thank you to Hospice of Mercy and Matt at Keystone Cedars for their exceptional care. Norris and Jane, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.