Norbert Joseph Zeien

Norbert (Norb) Joseph Zeien, 88, Cedar Falls, died Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home with beloved wife by his side under the care of UnityPoint Hospice.

Norb was born August 31, 1937 in Alta Vista to the late Jacob and Ruth (Vala) Zeien. Following his graduation from St. Williams School in Alta Vista, he enlisted in the US Navy. Norb honorably served from 1957-61 in Milton, FL, and serving aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and until 1963 in the Naval Reserve. When he returned home, Norb began working for John Deere Tractor Works and proceeded to work in the foundry, assembly line and roll test over his 35 years with them. He also worked for Oster Farms for 20 years. On September 20, 1969, Norb married the love of his life, Marvel McCormick, at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Norb was a very loving and patient husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a playful sense of humor and loved kindly joking with family, coworkers and friends. In his free time, Norb enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, hunting but especially fishing with Marvel and his family.

Norb is survived by his cherished wife of 56 years, Marvel; daughters, Angela Whitman (Robert Hatfield) of Navarre, FL, Danielle (Tom) Hall of Atchison, KS, JoAnn (Matt) Williams of Bailey, NC and Noreen (Kevin) Sharp of Forest City, IA; grandchildren, Jacob Whitman, Emily & Cora Hall, Shelby (Joel) Sheats, Morgan (Michael) Irwin, Tayla (Paul Johnson) Sharp and Tory Sharp; great-grandchildren, Adelyn Sheats and Paul Johnson Jr., brothers, Raymond Zeien of Dysart, IA and Norman Zeien of New Hampton, IA; sister, Rose Baltierra of Stockton, IL; sister-in-law, Kathy Zeien of Fon du Lac, WI; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Ella Anne Hall; siblings, Clement Zeien, Dale Zeien and Lois Glaser; brothers-in-law, John Baltierra and Vincent Glaser; sisters-in-law, Peggy Zeien and Judy Zeien; father and mother-in-law, Harley and Gertrude McCormick; and sister-in-law, Marlene McCormick.

Norb’s funeral service will be 12:30 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the funeral home; resuming on Saturday at 11:30 AM until the time of the service. Norb will be interred at Hillside Cemetery with funeral honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future charitable donation.