Norman Backhaus

Norman A. Backhaus, 80, of Manly, died Monday (September 24, 2018) in Manly at his farm.
    Funeral services were held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the Bethel United Methodist Church, 503 East South Street, Manly, with Reverend Don Preston officiating. Burial was in the Manly Cemetery.
    Norman was born on June 29, 1938, in Mason City, the son of Herb and Lena Mae (Wemken) Backhaus. He graduated from Manly High School in 1956 before being drafted into the United States Army.
    He completed his basic training in Alabama and was stationed in Alaska as a helicopter mechanic. Norm was honorably discharged.
    Norman married Marlene Ellefson on November 25, 1965 and the couple was blessed with four children. After Marlene’s passing in 1999, he married Kay McCoid on July 16, 2005.
    Norm was very proud of his military service, later serving as a sponsor for Honor Flight Winnebago. He was very active in the American Legion. He had a friendly, contagious smile and seemed to know people everywhere he went. Norm was always a hard worker and was there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
    As a 3rd generation farmer, Norm worked the land on his Century Farm, milking Brown Swiss cattle while raising livestock and grain. He enjoyed tractors, he served on many boards such as: the Milk Producer’s Board, the Manly Elevator Board, and served in many capacities in 4-H.
    He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by so many.
    Norman is survived by his wife, Kay Backhaus, Manly; his children: Rick (Jennifer) Backhaus, Manly; Darci Backhaus, Alabama; Brett (Jacki) Backhaus, Kensett; and Nicci (Jay) McDonough, Rock Falls; his grandchildren: Tara, Austin, Arabella, Ava, Brock, Brittany, Brady, Braxton, Marli, Kamryn, Piper, Bryce, Clayton, Azaria, Decker, Matt (Renee), Ben (Karm), Jon (Lynette), Danielle (Jeremy), Jessica and Nicole; nine great-grandchildren; his step-children: Kim (Mark) Sime, Mason City, and Mike (Nancy) McCoid, Manly; his sister, Doris Wallace; sisters-in-law, Annelle (George) Afdahl, and Wanda Ellefson; as well as many other family and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Lena Mae (Wemken) Backhaus, his first wife, Marlene Backhaus, a special aunt and uncle, George and Marie Wemken, brothers-in-law: Dennis Ellefson, John Ellefson, and Claude Wallace.