Caroline “Norene” Kaasa Rod, 95, of Mason City, Iowa, died April 27, 2014 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Caroline Norene Kaasa was born May 29, 1918 in Worth County, Iowa, the eldest daughter of Oscar and Inger Sorbo Kaasa. She was baptized and confirmed at Sion Lutheran Church and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1935. She attended St. Olaf College, graduating in 1939 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and math.

After college, she spent a year substitute teaching in the Lake Mills area. In the fall of 1940, she began teaching full-time in Le Center, Minn. From there she moved to Roland, Iowa, where she taught high school math, served as principal for one year, and coached one girls basketball game—they won. On April 24, 1944 Norene married Lt. Herbert L. Rod at Bergan Lutheran Church in Roland. To this union were born five children: Mary, David Rod ’71, Carolyn, Janice, and Martha. Norene continued teaching until Herb was discharged from the Army. Norene and Herb lived in Iowa City, Iowa and Ames, Iowa before moving to Mason City in 1950. Six years later, they returned to Iowa City while Herb did graduate work at the University of Iowa. From there they moved to Decorah, Iowa, where they spent nine memorable years. The family returned to Mason City in 1967, making their home on Kentucky Court for 34 years.

In her later years, Norene lived at Homestead Assisted Living, Cornerstone Assisted Living, and Good Shepherd Health Center. Norene was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a faithful worker at the annual bazaar, and an active participant in women’s groups. For several years, she served as financial recording secretary for the church. Norene was skilled at sewing, knitting, and needlework, creating many beautiful items for family and friends. She was an excellent cook and baker, best known for her kringla and pies. She enjoyed reading, writing letters, and spending time drinking coffee with friends and family. She and Herb travelled to all 48 continental states during their 57 year marriage.

Norene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Mary, her sister Olga, four nephews, a niece, and many friends. Norene is survived by four of her children, David, Carolyn, Janice, and Martha; her sister, Ina; three grandchildren, Charlie and wife Kristen, Joel, and Emily Rod; two great-grandchildren, Caroline and Erick Rod; several nieces and nephews; and special pets, Buffie and Truffie.