Norma D. Dikeman

Norma was born June 23, 1936, in Fredonia, N.Y., a daughter to the late Arthur Glenn Dietzen and Ruby Luella McKinney.

Norma graduated Fredonia High School in 1954, spent one year in the music program at Fredonia State and married the love of her life, Gordon Dikeman on Oct. 1, 1955.

One of the main questions Gordon asked Norma before proposing was how she felt about becoming a dairy farmer. Though she knew nothing about what all that entailed, her answer was in the affirmative. A few years after marriage she and Gordon became dairy farmers.

Norma became a 4-H leader and spent 20 years in many aspects of 4-H including dairy cows, horses, dog obedience, goats and hogs, and being a member of the hog program when it first began.

She also did trucking of livestock to and from the livestock auctions and she and Gordon did a few trips to Florida hauling various things other than livestock including hay and furniture.

In addition to farming, Norma delivered the Dunkirk Observer for 20 years.

In 1982, she acquired her first Rottweiler and went on to establish the well-known Nordike Rottweiler’s. Norma enjoyed showing her dogs in obedience, conformation and herding. Many of her dogs have become famous in many events including breed, obedience, and agility, herding and tracking.

In 1987, Norma became editor of the Colonial Rottweiler Club Newsletter and continued in that position for 30 plus years winning numerous awards.

In 2008, Norma started a little church news letter for shut-ins, military personnel, friends and any she felt could benefit. The newsletter was sent by email and snail mail.

Norma was a member of the Brocton Baptist Church, South Towns Dog Club, Medallion Rottweiler Club, American Rottweiler Club and the Colonial Rottweiler Club.

She is survived by her brother, Terry (Astrid) Dietzen; a sister, Sally Dietzen: daughters: Cathy Ruch, Rebecca (Lini) Lauto’o and Sandra (David) Franzen; her son, Richard (Michele) Dikeman; and beloved grandchildren: Jacquelynne Catania, Jason (Julie) Ruch, Melissa (Tony) Jones, Christine Fregosi, Uanona Lauto’o, Mailia Lauto’o, Bradley Franzen, Genny (Mike) Sands, Richie (Chrisi) Dikeman and Daniel (Makalla) Herrera, 15 great-grandchildren: and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved and enjoyed.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon A. Dikeman in 2004; daughter, Debra Thayer in 2018; her son-in-law, Daryl Thayer in 2015; and her son, Douglas G Dikeman in 2003.

Following the guidelines and protocols administered by the Governor of New York, friends and family may call on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020 from 2-4 p.m., at the MORSE Funeral Home, 51 Highland Ave., Brocton, N.Y., where funeral services will be held there at 4 p.m., with Pastor Larry Morrison officiating. Private burial will be in Portland Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in honor of Norma to the Portland or Brocton Fire Departments or the Ahira Memorial Library,37 W. Main St., Brocton, NY 14716 or to the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds Agricultural Maintenance, 1089 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY 14048.

To send a message of condolence to Norma’s family or share a remembrance, log on to; www.themorsefuneralhome.com