Norman Dean Wilson

Norm Wilson, lovingly known as ‘Bubba’ to his family, 71, peacefully passed away on August 10th, 2026 at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, IA. He was surrounded and comforted by his family.

Norm was born in Belle Plaine, IA on October 13th, 1954, to the late Charles and Dolores (Birch) Wilson. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1972. Following graduation he moved to Charleston, SC where he was stationed with and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He served his country on the USS Richard E Krause destroyer as a sonar tech in the Mediterranean Sea during the Vietnam War. After his time in active duty, he moved back to Iowa where he met the love of his life, Linda Kay Gallo. They exchanged wedding vows on February 2nd, 1978.

He dedicated 38 years of his career to Lumen telecommunications, which was known as Northwestern Bell when he started in 1979. Following his retirement, Norm spent as much time as he could on the golf course with his two sons, granddaughters, or group of friends. Throughout his life, he was an avid outdoorsman; finding joy in fishing, hunting, gardening, and bird watching. Above all else, Norm’s greatest accomplishment and source of pride was his family. Whether attending his granddaughters' sporting events, laughing through game nights during the holidays, or gathering around for a meal, he cherished every moment with those he loved most.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents and oldest sister Cindy (Wilson) Clark, nephew, Drew Wilson.. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda (Gallo) Wilson, his two sons, Eron (Ciji) Wilson, Taylor (Alison) Wilson, and three granddaughters, Norah, Harper, and Finley Wilson. He also leaves behind four siblings, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

A private military service and final salute will be held at Friday, August 21st at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA. A celebration of life will follow at the Adel Community House at 1016 Main Street in Adel, IA from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to join for food, beverage, and time to share stories, memories, and maybe a few bad “Bubba-style" jokes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Below is the address for Tunnel to Towers foundation along with the direct link to donate:

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation
• Phone: 718-987-1931
• Address: 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306
• https://dogood.t2t.org/campaign/in-memory-of-norman-wilson/c832673