Coach DeWitt was always joking and had a great smile. I was pleased to see him several years ago at Dewayne Haines open house. I have very fond memories. Grad UHS 69

RIP Coach....I have always remembered your words of encouragement when I was a student at Urbandale. You were a fine example of what a man should be....and I have strived to live up to the expectations you set for me.

Dear Friends, Our hearts go out to you in sympathy at the loss of your dear husband ad father. He touched many lives through his teaching and kindness and we are grateful for his life.

We have sent a memorial to the Leukemia and Lymphomia Society in his memory.

Russell and Stella Dillemuth

We are so sorry to hear about Norval's passing. Vern is a hail-adjuster and knew Norval very well and appreciated his friendliness. Think we met both of you several times at FMHI meetings or dinners. HUGS to all of you...
The Risius

We were so sorry to hear about Mr. DeWitt. I am glad we saw both of you at the '61' class reunion. I still have fond memories of being on the basketball team; even though, I was the shortest girl in my class. Mr. DeWitt made those memories possible. Ann

So sorry for your loss. But what wonderful memories you have. I will always remember what a great teacher he was and his funny sense of humor.

What a great guy and coach! Over the years I have often thought of the impact Coach DeWitt and Coach Burgett had on my life.

What he taught me about life in 1966 lives today.

Tip Chase

Just read all the tributes in Norval's Guestbook. Am printing all of them off to attach to his obituary and photo. Just noticed he is being buried in New Sharon and not Des Moines. Gives us an excuse to visit there for the first time.

Oh, and we have had continuous coverage with Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance on our own farm since we acquired it nearly 30 years ago, thanks to him.

10:30 a.m.
Karen & I have him and your family in our hearts and minds at this very hour of his services and wish we could be there. Fond memories of being on the Rockwell City High School faculty together, being involved in the Rockwell City United Methodist Church with him and our wives and girls. I also left teaching to manage farms for the Union State Bank and eventually started our own business and still manage farms in Calhoun and the surrounding counties. We then had contact on occasion with hail insurance business. Will always consider him and the family as "special friends" who made this world a better place. God's blessings on him and may he rest in peace. I plan to stop and visit him when I know where he is being laid to rest as I frequently visit my younger brother, Lynn Johnson, in the Windsor Heights cemetery.

So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and even greater father and husband I am sure. I have lots of fond memories of the DeWitts. Joy

I taught with Norval in the Social Studies Dept. at Urbandale High School in the late 60"s. He lived the adage that our purpose on this earth is to make a difference in the lives of others. I haven't seen Norval since then, but he lives on in my heart as a great mentor and coach.

so sorry for your loss.rockwell city was a better place because of mr dewitt and family.

Even while still a high school student, I appreciated the fine person Coach DeWitt was. But it was only after becoming a parent that I truly understood what a great gift UHS students were given in having Norval DeWitt as their teacher and coach. Through example, he taught students and members of athletic teams how a man handles adversity as well as how to truly find joy in one's life.

My condolences to Mrs. DeWitt, to Debra, Kathryn, and Brenda, and to all the kids who lost a fine Grandfather. Please know that many share in your sense of loss at this time.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. I have great memories of your whole family from the old neighborhood (N. Grant Street). My deepest sympathy.

Norval was one of the nicest people I ever knew. He touched many lives and I was lucky to have known him and his family.

Our sincere condolences to you, Joann, and your family. Curt always respected Norval as his boss and he always made me feel special with us big smile and greeting. You were a GREAT and genuine couple! God be with you during this time of sorrow. Norval will always remain in our fondest memories.

I was in the Class of 1970 at Rockwell City, the first year Mr. DeWitt came to our schoold as the new principal.

Those were some challenging times, what with the social upheavals and all. Some thought we were not going to amount to much, what with our long(er) hair, outlandish clothes and all.

Not that some of those pictures aren't pretty funny looking back - they surely are.

But Mr. DeWitt stuck up for us, something I will always remember and appreciate. He told my dad as much a few years later, when they shared a cup of coffee.....he said "you know, those kids were right about a few things."

So when others wondered what my generation would turn out to be, Mr. DeWitt already had it figured out - "The Kids Are Alright."

My sincerest of condolences to the DeWitt family, and to Mr. DeWitt - a belated but heart-felt thank you.

Larry Grant

We lived next door to the Dewitt's in Urbandale. Norval was basketball coach for Becky, Denny and Kathy. He was a fair and caring man. His students looked up to him and remembered him after they graduated. I will remember him for not only being a good neighbor but for teaching my children lots more than Basketball. They learned to be caring and Fair too.

I will always remember Norval as a real good man. He would beam watching his family sign in church. Craig

It was a honor to have known such a great man. Joann you and Norval were always a highlight of class reunoins. He was such a fun person to know, a good teacher and coach. He will be missed and my prayers are with you and your family.

My sincere condolences to you and your family Joan. I was so sorry to hear of Mr DeWitt's passing. I can still see his smile and hear his laughter. American History was such a treat with him. We did not always talk history, mostly sports. But you had to beware of falling asleep in his class or you would find one of those history books placed not so lightly on your head. Whether he was talking history or sports you needed to pay attention.I graduated in 1966. I know he attended some of our reunions. At one of them I found he was from Lacey and I currently live near Lacey. It is truly a small world. He will be greatly missed by those who remember him fondly.

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynnett (Krause)Baer

Deb and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting your Dad, Deb, it is clear that he was appreciated and loved by all who knew him. We love you, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Joan and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We are so sorry that we are not able to come up for Norval's funeral. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
We enjoyed reading all of the wonderful tributes to Norval. He was a very special teacher, father and husband.
We will be up to see you later.
Our sincere sympathy,
Vern and Mary

Sent to the UHS class of 1962
"Sorry again but thought you may want to know, another of our Dear Teachers and coaches passed away. I remember so well how he defiantly did not want to coach girls basketball, but such a nice man and he did coach great for us but for a short time which was much to his liking. (I think I may have mentioned this to him & his wife at one time with regards to them only being blessed with daughters! Which received quite a chuckle.) Remember also that his class during football season only consisted of football strategies on Fridays and Mondays was all about what all we did wrong! HA. (And I still didn't understand football till I got married!) Well sure you can add many more memories to this special person. Am so glad he came to our reunions. And I am so glad we had the honor to know him." Thinking of you, Mrs. DeWitt.

Mrs. De Witt, I feel all the UHS class of 1962 would say with very sad hearts we express our deepest symphathy to you and your family. God Bless you. I am sending you my note to the class members .... Can't too many characters for this message will do so a different way.

Our thoughts are with you and yours. Please Take Care,

My deepest sympathy to your family. I can still see the twinkle in Norval's eye when he would be giving us a bad time. He was a great man, husband and father. God Bless him!

Mr. Dewitt is to be remembered for his friendliness, positive attitude and confidence. I told a joke at our senior skit, "Did you know Mr. Dewitt has more hair on his Norval than on his head?" He got a big kick out of that. He had a great sense of humor.

You and your entire family have my sincere condolences.

Was so shocked to hear about Mr.DeWitt's passing! I will always remember the way he would tease me and call me "Scroggs"! He was a very kind and loving father and friend. Sending all of you my love and sincerest condolences. Will be in touch with you soon, Kathy! Darla (Scroggin) Moorman

Dear Brenda,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you and your family will have lots of stories and memories to share this week. He must have been a great father because he sure raised an awesome daughter.

Love, Karen

How does one adequately extol all the virtues of this kind and gentle man. Teacher, coach but more importantly mentor. He taught us all through his example the very values we all try to follow. We both send our love to Joan and family at this sad time, and Thank You Norv for being there for us always.

Larry & Dixie Sorenson Wilson Urbandale classes of 1958 and 1959

I am so sorry to hear about Norville. I will never forget his smile and soft spoken voice. He was such a kind gentle man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time. God bless you all. Jaci

Mr. DeWitt had a significant influence on our family and the whole town of Harcourt as H.S. teacher and coach. And Joan, you were a fine 3rd and 4th grade teacher to me as well. We have been blessed by sharing that part of your lives. May you find comfort in knowing how wide and deep Norval's and your positive influence has spread.

Brenda,

My deepest sympathies to you and your family at the passing of your father. God's blessings to you all during this difficult time.

My deepest condolences to the DeWitt family. My memories of Mr. Dewitt are as a very supportive father to his girls participating in sports & music at Rockwell City High School during the 1970's. So sorry for your loss.

By far the best coach I ever had.

Ken Wedin
Urbandale Class of 1963

To the Norval V. De Witt Family,

Thank you for sharing "coach" with us at UHS. I learned a great deal from him about baseball, basketball and golf. I later coached at Dowling HS against his UHS golf team and will never forget his sportsmanship and humor. And did I mention the "stairs."

I have fond memories of Mr. DeWitt as our golf coach. He was well liked and respected. My deepest condolences to the family.

Mr. DeWitt was a great Teacher and Coach, He truely will be missed. My sincere simplify.

Class of 68

I have only known Norval for a few years through the Dahl's "coffee group". I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with him and appreciated his quick wit. It was a pleasure to have known him.

I HAVE SHARED COFFEE AT DAHLS WITH NORVAL THESE LAST TWO YEARS, IT WAS A JOY TALKING TO HIM AND SEEING HIM EVERY DAY. HE WILL BE MISSED, BY ALL. I AM DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JIM MULFORD

We will miss him. He was one of the good guys.

Joan, Lyle and I were saddened to learn of Norval's death. Lyle so enjoyed working for him as an adjuster for Farmers Mutual. Your family was a blessing to Rockwell City -- Brenda's soaring musical gift, your contributions to UMC (I taught VBS with you once and it was so much fun) and Norval's years as principal. And so we thank God for the paths that cross.

I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. DeWitt influenced a great many lives and will be remembered. May God hold you and your family and help you through this difficult time. Many prayers are with you.

Class of '64

My deepest sympathy to "Coaches" family. I know you will deeply miss him as I will too. He truly was life at its' fullest!
Larry Chase 68'

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. DeWitt's passing. As you grow older and remember back on the good times in your life, Urbandale High School was one of them. You never forget the teachers, coaches and staff that touched your life. Coach Dewitt will never be forgotten. Back in the good old days when High School was the place to be!

Joan and Girls, We are so sorry to hear of Norvals passing. You have our deepest sympathies. We have many fond memories of the R.C. school days. May he rest in peace. Martin and Peggy Hildreth

Joan and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Coach's passing. One of the truly great people who left his mark on thousands of impressionable kids. Never saw him without a big smile on his face...always a kind word. So sorry I wont be able to make services but know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. The world is a much better place because of you Joan and "Coach".

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. DeWitt's passing, but he had a great life. He was a very positive influence on all the people he met, especially the youngsters he taught and coached. He coached me at Urbandale HS ('64) in three sports, Basketball, Baseball, and Golf. He used us on the basketball team for his Masters Thesis by having half of us run up the stairs in the old HS building and the other half of us lifting weights for a whole season. He then measuered and compared our improvement in vertical leap. I never did hear the results. He was always a very upbeat and positive role model. He and I had a bet for each golf practice session. The loser shined the other guy's shoes; I think he shined mine once, and I cleaned his the rest of the season. He will be missed, but we have wonderful memories of Norval.

Sorry for your loss. Your family are in my prayers. God Bless

What a loss to so many! Norval looked so good last September. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!

Brenda,
My prayers are with you and your family at the death of your father. I'm grateful you had him for so many years, but know and understand your loss. May God's grace be with you in the days and years ahead.

Mr. DeWitt is among only a handful of my high school teachers for whom I still maintain distinct and fond memories, and I never had the guy as a coach and only once as a teacher. Yet, he still made a positive impression on me with his infectious smile, dry humor, and ability to make the least popular kids feel important. The latter gift, especially, is unique among teachers. (UHS '69)

I AM VICKI BRIGGS EVANS AND I BELIEVE WE LIVED NEAR THE DEWITTS IN URBANDALE AS KIDS AND MY FOLKS KNEW HIM, BETTY AND MEL BRIGGS. GOD REST HIS SOUL!

I am so glad that Norv and Joan came to the Class of 1961 reunion in September, because I actually had a chance to tell Norv directly how he influenced me in high school. Joan and family, I'm so sorry for your loss of a man of such character and compassion for everyone he knew. Blessings and peace to you. Carolyn (Main) Milligan.

Mr. DeWitt as he will always be MR. DeWitt to me, was one of the most gifted teachers, mentors, and all-around great man to the countless students lucky enough to have been in his classroom or on one of his athletic teams.

He made a huge contribution to me and many of my fellow classmates at Urbandale, trying to prepare us for the rocky road of life that was still so distant in our future, but with a twinkle in his eye and the patience of a God.

He lived and worked with impeccable character and grace, doing the ordinary in the most extraordinary way - molding young lives in his charge and remaining a contribution.

We loved Coach DeWitt. What more can be said in this small tribute?

Sending Mrs. DeWitt and her family my deep condolences for their loss and also to the world's loss, for what greater gift can be given then to teach a child the wonder and magic of life, which he did in spades.


Bev Davis
UHS Class of 69

I remember well "coach" while a student at Urbandale High School.

Class of 69

Coach DeWitt was part of my good memories from high school. I am glad to have known him.
Lynda McCutchen Brandt (UHS '69)

I was sorry to hear of Norval's passing. I enjoyed having him as a basketball coach and teacher. He was always a fun loving guy!

John Smidt
Class of 1964

Mr. Dewitt was one of those rare teachers that could make coming to school almost fun for a wise-guy teenager. I am much saddened to learn of his passing.

Phil Schroeder, Class of 1959

Coach DeWitt shared his time, memories, & wisdom with the Urbandale Class of 61 at every reunion that I recall, including the 50th in Oct 2011. He will be missed. We are indebted to him for his years of service @ Urbandale High School.

My deepest sympathy to the entire DeWitt family. I have many fond memories of "coach" DeWitt while playing basketball in Harcourt. May God give you comfort and peace as you think back on all the good times you shared as a family

Coach DeWitt was my high school American history teacher at Urbandale High. I have many wonderful memories of a man who truly liked his students! It was a pleasure to see him at our 50th reunion last October. My love and condolences to his family.

Joan and Family,

I want to wish you my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Norv. Coach DeWitt was such a huge part of my life growing up, not only a great teacher and coach, but someone who provided me with a sense of purpose and direction at a time when I needed it most. All of us whose lives he touched will keep his memory alive. Thinking back to all the times in class, on the basketball court, practices and games, a smile comes to my face, we always kept each other laughing. I am afraid I won't be able to make it back for the services but know that Norv and all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. He was one of a kind and all of us are going to miss him.

Sorry to hear of Norvals passing. Dahls coffee group will be missing one that is important and very positive for our old guys.

Norval will be missed by the UHS Class of 1961. It was so good to see both of you at our 5oth Reunion

Dear DeWitt Family,
Please know how much I adored Norval and how much I appreciate his kindness towards our family. He always had a smile and a tenderness that will live on in his three beautiful daughters and lovely wife. Norval will be missed.

Norval was such a great person, teacher and coach. He was so much a part of so many peoples upbringing.

I am so sorry to hear of Norval DeWitt's death. I realize now how young Mr. DeWitt was when I was in high school in Harcourt, but even so he was so kind and wise in his teaching and coaching. Joan, I fondly remember sitting on the bleachers with you during the basketball games when you were chaperone.

He always told me I was late for everything, I was never late but that was the joke.

He will be missed.

Norval was a great coach! He was always patient with me at football practice....always giving encouragement...knowing full well I'd never be a very good football plyer. What he did was make football fun for me. He helped build memories that I still cherish.
Joan, my condolences to you and your family. Dave Rusk, Class of 1958

Norval Dewitt, one of the greatest friends and teacher a student could have at Urbandale. My prayers for peace for all the family.

What great teacher he was. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of being in his classes and knowing him for the many years beyond.

So sorry to hear about Norval's
death. He was a great person
to work with all those years at
Farmers Mutual Hail. My thoughts
and prayers are with you at this
time.


Lois Waggoner
Receptionist-FMH

I fondly remember Mr Dewitt as our teacher and coach at Urbandale in the 1950's and later at class reunions. My condolances to his family and friends.

Harlan Seagren '59

Norval was always the supportive, friendly and positive man for his family. He was the wonderful husband and father we all knew and he will be greatly missed.