Norma Bell

A long-time resident of Clear Lake, Norma J. Bell, 101, who nearly made it to 102, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, fittingly, with her firecracker spirit shining to the very end; at the IOOF Home in Mason City. Norma relocated to the IOOF Home in Mason City in June of 2023.

Norma is survived by all of her children: John (Missouri), Deanna (Minnesota), Barb (Iowa), Melanie (Minnesota), Robert “Robbie” (Iowa), and Jacki (Oregon). She was a proud Grandmother to 16 Grandchildren and 25 Great-Grandchildren. Those preceding her in death are her parents, Conrad and Hannah (Peterson) Nissen and her husband, Robert “Bob” in 1973.

Norma was known for her happy, positive spirit, quick wit, and a laugh that could be heard around the block. She attributed her remarkable longevity to her love of fast food—especially McDonald’s, Culver’s, and Arby’s and to always keeping a positive attitude. Though she lived on little, she considered herself a very wealthy person in the ways that mattered most.

She often reminded those around her the importance of taking time to “stop and smell the roses” and to “laugh” as often as possible. People loved being around Norma; she added spice and joy to every gathering. She will be dearly missed, but as she always said, she “lived a happy, happy

life.”