Norma Jane Kanoy, 82, was peacefully called by her Savior to her eternal home on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Born on June 18, 1941, in Concordia, MO, Norma was the daughter of Alvin and Nora (Wehmeier) Bokelmann. She was adopted into the family of God through Holy Baptism on June 29, 1941, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Flora, MO. She grew up in Concordia, MO, and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Concordia High School. She confirmed her Christian faith on April 3, 1955, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Concordia, MO.
Norma married Jerry Kanoy on September 12, 1958. Following their marriage they moved to Independence, MO. They were blessed with two sons, Rick and Randy. Norma was a devoted wife and a loving mother. In addition to caring for her family, Norma had a variety of jobs, including serving as a school secretary, working in human resources, and partnering with her husband in their own commercial furniture business.
Norma loved her family dearly. Her grandchildren and great children especially brought her much joy. She loved giving gifts and celebrating holidays and birthdays with her extended family. She was active in her church and committed to her faith. She treasured God’s Word and drew strength and hope from devotions and Holy Communion. She faced challenges and adversities with a smile and positive attitude, trusting in God’s promises. Those who were blessed to know her agree that she had a life well lived, and that she was a woman well loved.
Norma is survived by her husband, Jerry, with whom she was blessed to share more than 65 years of marriage. She is also survived by her sons, Rick (Cheryl), Arlington, NE; and Randy (Jeanne), of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren, Josh Kanoy, Omaha, NE; Sarah (Zach) Belter, Omaha, NE; Jonah Kanoy, Omaha, NE; Brandon (Kellie) Kanoy, Overland Park, KS; and Ryan (Alex) Kanoy, Stirling, NJ; and great grandchildren, Andrew Belter and Jackson Kanoy. She is also survived by her sister, Alice (Everett) Hinck, Concordia, MO; sister-in-law, Melba Bokelmann, St. Charles, MO; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Moore, Seal Beach, CA; and Walt Doering, Georgetown, TX; sisters-in-law, Bev Rolf, Alma, MO; and Betty (Roland) Frerking, Spring, TX; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Delmer and Mildred Kanoy; brother, Raymond Bokelmann; sisters, Lavona Moore and Melba Jean Doering; brother-in-law, Lester Rolf; and two nieces.
The visitation will be at Messiah Lutheran Church in Independence, MO, on Friday, April 26, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m., with the interment at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Concordia, MO, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Elementary School, Concordia, MO, or Messiah Lutheran Sunday School, Independence, MO.