Norma Siebert (97) of Altamont

Norma Siebert, 97, of Altamont, died at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Lutheran Care Center, Altamont.

If you read the definition of ‘servant leader’ in the dictionary, don’t be surprised to see Norma Gene (Doty) Siebert’s image there. She was a shining example of the fact that you don’t need to be loud to be a role model.

She was born on October 9, 1927, at the family home to Roy and Editha (Dowty) Doty, near Beecher City, Ill., in Fayette County. On August 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Omer William Siebert at Immanuel Lutheran Church by the Reverend Martin Naumann. Omer preceded her in death. She was called Mom by Omer W. Jr. (Bill) who also preceded her in death, Dennis Lynn (Bonnie) Siebert of Effingham, and Theresa Ann (Eric) Hoadley of Morton. Her name was Grandma to Heath, Haley, Patrick, Alyssa and Alex, and Great Grandma to Colten, Nora, Brody, Ella, Rowan, Lincoln, Finn and Olyvia. She closely followed the exploits of her growing brood, reveling in their successes and passing along hard-earned life lessons with her tender love. Best known throughout the area as the owner, publisher, editor and chief bottle washer of the Altamont News, it was an honor she shared with her husband for 29 years. They were ubiquitous reporters, covering every town meeting, sporting event, and newsworthy gatherings. She knew everyone and everyone knew Norma. The column she penned, N’s Notes, might – at first glance to an outsider – may have simply appear as a gossip column. Truthfully, it was a must-read lifeline for a tightly knit community of the comings and goings and events that otherwise would not have qualified as “news,” and other thoughts she felt would brighten someone’s day. To the surprise of nobody but themselves, she and Omer received the Citizen of the Year award in 1984, largely based on their civic contributions through the Altamont News. A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Ann Crooker St. Clair chapter), she took pride in being a ninth-generation descendant of Mayflower passenger Edward Doty. She was a fervent member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving on many of its committees. Next to most chairs in her home was a book of devotions, which provided great comfort when she was no longer able to attend services in person. She loved God, butterflies, coconut cream pie, and everyone in her family – but not necessarily in that order.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Gary Fortkamp officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Altamont. Visitation will be held two hours prior to service time also at the church. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.