Norma Gerber

Norma Gerber died peacefully at the age 95 years on July 10th at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial, Colorado.

A memorial service followed by a reception at the church will be on Saturday, August 20th at 1:00 PM in the Chapel and Memorial Garden at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80206.

Norma was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and loyal companion and friend. She survived her husband Frank M. Gerber who died in 1995, and her son Curt Gerber who died in 1996 of chronic kidney failure. Norma had previously donated a kidney to Curt in 1969.

Norma is survived by daughter Linda Gerber Johnson (Bill), son Michael J. Gerber, M.D. (Babs), and son Frank M. “Chip” Gerber, Jr. (Stacy). She has 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Norma Irene Mohrman was born to John and Elsie Mohrman on a farm near Deshler Nebraska on March 21,1927. Norma and her younger siblings grew up in a German farming community during the depression and post-WWII. Norma survived her younger brother Donald Mohrman and her sister Joan Koons.

Because of Norma’s bouts of severe asthma, she moved from Deshler, Nebraska to Limon, Colorado during high school where she worked in a restaurant for room and board. She returned and graduated from Deshler High School. An aunt gifted Norma the tuition to attend the University of Colorado where Norma enrolled in 1944-45. She subsequently enrolled and graduated as a Registered Nurse from Saint Luke’s School of Nursing in Denver in 1949. During a nursing school rotation, Norma met Frank Gerber and they were married in 1949. Frank and Norma founded Gerber Distributing Company in 1953 which later became Gerber Systems.

Norma enjoyed traveling, bridge, bowling and was a longtime member of the Denver Athletic Club. Throughout her life, she engaged others by truly being interested in them, their lives and in doing so enriched her life. Norma always gave of herself, was always positive, and treasured the many friendships she made over the years. Norma was selfless, smart, patient, and strong. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate in her memory to Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80246, or to a charity of your choice.