Plender, Norman Jay 1941-2026

PLENDER, VANDEGRIEND, HUBERS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/15/2026 at 15:16:07

Mr. Norman Plender, age 85, of Orange City, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Orange City Area Health System.

A visitation with the family present will be held on Sunday, July 12, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, at the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City. A prayer service will take place on Monday, July 13, at 10:00am, at the funeral home, followed by interment at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. There will be a memorial service on Monday, at 11:00am, at the First Reformed Church in Orange City with the Rev. Mark Haverdink officiating.

Norman Jay was born on May 30, 1941, on his family’s farm near Hospers, to John and Elizabeth (Vande Griend) Plender. He was raised in the Hospers area and attended country school, graduating from Newkirk High School.

On July 6, 1960, he was united in marriage to Florence Adelle Hubers in Pantego, North Carolina. They made their home just west of Orange City, and over the years lived on several acreages near Orange City. Norm had a love for farming, and broke horses for many years while they lived in the country. In the mid 1990’s they moved into Orange City, and in October of 2025, Norm became a resident of the Prairie Ridge Care Center.

Norm was a member of the First Reformed Church in Orange City. He enjoyed volunteering at the church doing various woodworking projects and mowing the church lawn. He had a number of jobs over the years, but most recently was a bus driver for preschool and children with special needs. He was also an outdoorsman and liked to go hunting, fishing, camping and boating. But more than that, he enjoyed spending time with his family. They will remember him for his quick wit, sense of humor, and unwavering support and love.

Norm is lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Florence, of Orange City; three daughters, Carina Soppe, of Le Mars; Pam, and her husband Jerry Goslinga, of Sheldon; and Val, and her husband, Todd Hoffman, of Orange City; nine grandchildren, Hannah, and her husband, Garrett Ayers; Abigail and her husband, Josh Chavez; Travis Barrett; Andrea Barrett; Josh Goslinga, and his wife, Kelly; Jason Goslinga, and his wife, Haley; Sarah, and her husband, Cody Hunt; Isaiah Hoffman; and Mikayla Hoffman, and her fiancé, Aaron Spoo; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Chris Soppe; two brothers, Audley Plender, who died in infancy; and Merlyn “Mert” Plender.

Memorials will be given to Words of Hope.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.