Norbert B. Van Dessel

Norbert B. Van Dessel was born in Alma, Montana on July 5, 1926. He had two brothers and two sisters. He attended grade school (first through eighth) at North Tindahl School and then finished high school in Joplin, graduating in 1944. He married his high school sweetheart Virginia Carmichael, on November 16, 1946. They completed their family with two sons: Barry, born in 1950, and Larry, born in 1953. Norbert began a lifetime of farming first working for neighbors Emil Nelson and Gus Robo, and then in February 1951, Norbert and Virginia bought the farm where they lived together until 2012; eventually they replaced the small, old two-room shack on the farm with a new home Norbert built, and slowly they bought more land and expanded the farm when both their sons moved back home to farm with Norbert. In the fall of 2012, Norbert and Virginia moved off the farm to Chester; Virginia passed away only a couple months later. Norbert lived in Chester until his death on December 27, 2023.

Norbert was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, a board member for the Cenex Oil Station (Joplin Farmers Union), a long-time board member for the Federal Land Bank, a Joplin School Board member for many years and Chairman Board from 1962-1971. Norbert had farming in his blood and it was his first love besides his wife and family, however, Norbert also loved watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees, as well as his sons’ and grandchildren's teams. Norbert and Virginia took many trips together, touring all 50 states, as well as many cruises, and a trip to Europe where they visited the Van Dessel’s. One of Norbert’s favorite trips of his lifetime was a trip to the World Series in New York (better known as the Subway Series) in the 50's with Virginia and Bert and Kay Alley.

 Norbert was preceded in death by both his parents, Julius and Maude Hodges; his sister, Katherine Alley; his brother, Robert; his wife, Virginia (2012); and his son, Barry (2014).

 Norbert is survived by his brother, Don (Sharon) of Chester; sister, Elva of Havre; sister-in-law, Hazel Van Dessel; son, Larry (Susan Van Dessel) of Joplin; daughter-in-law, Ann Van Dessel of Joplin; grandchildren, Heather (Jason Nimmick), Geana (Dave Nagy), Ryan Van Dessel, Angie (Trent Bell), and Ivan Van Dessel (Jennifer); and great grandchildren, Derek Van Dessel, Avalee Van Dessel, Brayden Nimmick, Lynkon Bell, Hudson Van Dessel, Romeo Bell, Ashlyn Nimmick, and Deacon Van Dessel.

 Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 31, at 11:00 am at United Methodist Church in Chester. A reception at the church will follow the burial.