Emily Allen
Published : May 19, 2008
DUBUQUE - The list of Norma Denlinger’s accomplishments is impressive.
“Many things I am doing are Dubuque Racing Association, United Way Services, Dubuque Botanical Gardens Arboritum,” says Denlinger.
But maybe what’s more impressive is the fact that Norma has accomplished even more in the past 80 years. “As a child I was always taught that I have an obligation to see that I shared with other people,” recalls Denlinger.
Don’t let her age fool you, she believes it is her 80 years of experience that keep her on the go.
“Nobody has ever said to me you should stop your not for profit, I think the people who know me well know that’s what make me tick that’s why I get up in the morning. The others who don’t know me…seem to tolerate me,” laughs Denlinger.
Norma knows there are others her age that aren’t quite as independent as herself. Luther Manor administrator, Barbara Y. Baker, knows this as well. “It’s National Nursing Homes week and we do all sorts of crazy things, we have mis-match day, we just had sundaes, and today is crazy hat day,” says Baker.
Baker says she and her staff don’t do it just because it’s mandatory and they don’t do it once a year. “We are doing fun stuff like this all the time, this really does improve and enhances the quality of a person’s life,” says Baker.
And Denlinger says what enhances her life is the secret to happiness. “If you can’t be flexible and move with the times of change, I don’t know that you can really be happy with yourself,” says Denlinger.
Happiness has certainly entered Norma’s life. In addition to her many accomplishments she also helped apply for a license for both the Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino and the old Diamond Jo Casino river boat.
“People continue to ask me why I have been on that so long, and want to know if I like to bet. I’m not a gambler, I did it because it was going to be good for the community,” says Denlinger.
Norma continues to help support and sponsor others non-profit organizations that are good for the Dubuque community and isn’t about to stop anytime soon.
Emily.Allen can be contacted at Emily.Allen@loras.edu
