Norma Preheim
February 3, 2019
Norma Jean (Voran) Preheim, 87, passed
away February 3, 2019 at Kidron Bethel Village. She was born on
January 18, 1932 in Pretty Prairie, Kansas to Paul J and Hulda
(Graber) Voran. Following graduation from Pretty Prairie High School,
Norma attended Bethel College where she not only received her BA in
Music, but also met the fellow music student who would become her
husband and partner in all aspects of life. On June 26, 1955 Norma
married Marles Preheim and together they raised their three children,
Kay, Terri, and Brian.
Family and music were at the center of
Norma’s life. These were always in focus even as experiences took
the couple to numerous locations throughout their life together,
including Nebraska, South Dakota, Ohio, Indiana and Kansas. Nurture
and hospitality defined her home life as mother, wife, and friend.
Relationship, encouragement, musicality, and attention to detail
defined her teaching style.
Norma’s public school teaching career
began in Buhler, KS, continued in Cincinnati, Ohio, and eventually
culminated in 16 years as an elementary school music teacher at
Sunset, Cooper, and Northridge Schools in the Newton School District.
Along the way she led numerous church children’s choirs, taught
piano students, mentored college student teachers, and in 1990
fulfilled the realization of a dream in founding and directing the
Newton Community Children’s Choir. Through all these endeavors, she
brought the joy of music to countless children, emphasizing how to
sing and the communal aspects of creating music together and sharing
it with others. The ripple effects of her nurture and teaching will
continue to be felt and passed on by all who knew her.
In later years, even as Norma’s
memory faded, her ability to connect never did! She continued to
bless her family, friends, and caregivers with a light in her eyes
and an ever-present smile.
Norma is survived by her husband,
Marles, three children, Kay (Bradley) Siebert, Terri (Greg) Gaeddert,
and Brian (Cynthia) Preheim. She has nine grandchildren – Joel
(Crystal) Gaeddert, Aaron Gaeddert, Aimee (Michael) Voth Siebert,
David (Leah) Gaeddert, Megan (Andrew Voth) Siebert, Eric (Kiley)
Preheim, Jill (Braden Unruh) Siebert, Christopher Preheim and
Caroline Preheim and four great grandchildren (Collin and Brett
Gaeddert, Emmet and Henry Gaeddert). She is also survived by her
brother Myron (Mildred) Voran, sister Florine Eitzen, and a loving
extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions are suggested to The Newton Community Children’s
Choir (Norma Preheim Endowment), Bethel College Mennonite Church, or
Kidron Bethel Village. A memorial service will be held at Bethel
College Mennonite Church in North Newton on Saturday, March 16th at
3:30pm.
