Norman W. Pogemiller

Norman Wesley Pogemiller, 90, passed away October 7, 2017 in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., in Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines.

Norman was born September 2, 1927 in Morning Sun, IA to Raymond and Gladys (Bazel) Pogemiller. He graduated from Morning Sun High School in 1945 as valedictorian. Norman received his Bachelor’s in 1950 from Iowa Wesleyan College and then his Master’s in School Administration from the University of Iowa in 1960. His first position was as an instrumental music instructor at Winfield High School, where he met his wife, Janeen. Ultimately, he spent 50 years in Education with 30 years at West Des Moines Community School District, including Principal of Valley High School. Norman was involved with West Des Moines Rotary, West Des Moines Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence Dollars for Scholars, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and many other organizations and committees. He enjoyed music, walking, was an excellent carpenter, and loved traveling to visit his children and other family. He especially loved Estes Park, CO. Based on his many years of service to the school district and to the community, Norman was named by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce as its “Citizen of the Year” in 2004.

Norman is survived by his children, Amy (Dan) Trafton of Evergreen, CO, Christopher (Patty) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Stephen (Monica) of Elk Grove, CA; daughter-in-law, Mindy of Urbandale; grandchildren, Connor and Claire Trafton, Zachary Pogemiller, Corinne (Graeme) Rosenberg, and Lindsay Pogemiller, Liza, Sara, and Luis Pogemiller, Lauren and Jenna Pogemiller. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janeen; brother, LeRoy Pogemiller; and son, John Pogemiller.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Student Scholarship Fund, C/O Cindy Todd, 3775 EP True Parkway #155, West Des Moines, IA 50265.