There are two times in my life where I did not get the chance to say goodbye to Sarah. The first was when she left Iowa State University to return to Iowa CIty and attend the University of Iowa. The second was missing her memorial over 10 years ago. Thus, this other Michael W. Smith song is appropriate... because it's true.

Sarah introduced me to Jesus Christ. She also introduced me to "contemporary chrisitan music" of which Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith were extremely popular in 1983. Michael W. Smith's "Friends" song is most appropriate for this lovely young woman.

Sarah's favorite color was YELLOW. When I hear the song "Yellow" by Coldplay from their 2000 album Parachutes I will always remember her.

"Yellow"

Look at the stars,

Look how they shine for you,

And everything you do,

Yeah, they were all yellow.

I came along,

I wrote a song for you,

And all the things you do,

And it was called "Yellow".

So then I took my turn,

Oh what a thing to have done,

And it was all yellow.

Your skin,

Oh yeah your skin and bones,

Turn into

Something beautiful,

Do you know,

You know I love you so,

You know I love you so.

I swam across,

I jumped across for you,

Oh what a thing to do.

'Cause you were all yellow,

I drew a line,

I drew a line for you,

Oh what a thing to do,

And it was all yellow.

Your skin,

Oh yeah your skin and bones,

Turn into

Something beautiful,

Do you know,

For you I'd bleed myself dry,

For you I'd bleed myself dry.

It's true,

Look how they shine for you,

Look how they shine for you,

Look how they shine for,

Look how they shine for you,

Look how they shine for you,

Look how they shine.

Look at the stars,

Look how they shine for you,

And all the things that you do.

(Part 3 of 3) That fall, 1984, was hard on her as her homesickness for mom, Iowa City, etc. grew. I and all our friends did what we could, but at the end of the semester it looked like she'd be transferring to the U of I. I have been in love with Sarah Norbeck for all of my Christian life. Not having her in my life broke my heart, but finally a couple of years ago I was healed of that. Now, over 10 yrs after the event I learn of her passing. My heart is overwhelmed, but I trust Jesus will hold me to the rock that is higher than I. In response, in memory I would just like to finally say, "Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou Sarah for leading me to Jesus. I have always missed you." -Art Van Houten

(Part 1) I'm not sure words can express my sorrow at the news of Sarah's passing. Aside from my family, Sarah was the 3rd most influential person in my life. 1st place goes to Jesus, my savior forever. 2nd goes to my wife and soul mate Lise. 3rd place goes to Sarah Norbeck. The most interesting, facinating, and wonderful person I had ever met. In the fall of 1983 I was a transfer student at Iowa State University. I went there to study Rocket Science and do all the things hollywood tells you happen at college. After my first week of "that" I by chance met Sarah and a friend of hers with some of my friends. A couple of us opted for a study session later that day. I was completely smitten by Sarah. Not that we had all that much in common, but as an introverted engineer who'd never been on a date (even at 20 yrs) I couldn't keep away from her. We spent a lot of time studying (really) and talking. As she was growing in her faith in Jesus she joined the local Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) chapter there at ISU. Those Friday night activities put an end to our Friday night hanging out, but that didn't stop me from seeing her or calling her. I on the other hand was not a follower of Jesus. But hearing her talk about him was boggling my mind. At one point she flat-out told me I was not a Christian... did that ever cause some internal conflict in me! She invited me to church once and I was greatly distressed at that event. One night I asked her to another movie (we went to them all the time - Free Friday Flicks) and she changed the movie. We went to a Billy Grahm evangelical movie. That rocked me to my core, but I still did not know what was going on in my life, or what to do about it. As I pursued/courted Sarah (in hind-sight that's what it was) she just kept telling me more and more about her life with Jesus. One day she gave me a little booklet called "Becoming a Christian" by John Stott.

Sarah and I in heart were so close. She was like a sister. We met at Iowa State University back in the fall of 1983 at Bible study. She transferred to the University of Iowa and we kept in touch and I'd visit her and we'd go out dancing. She introduced me to the gay community and we both kept our faith in Jesus. I remember when my college roommate and I called her on a Friday and said we wanted to come kidnap her for the weekend and bring her back to Ames. She was excited. We had such a fun weekend. I'll always remember our deep talks about Christianity, being gay, and enjoying our college years. I remember how fun her mom was and she had a nice family. Also remember when Sarah permed my hair and we bleached it and cut it so it would be spiked. Last, when the song "Sara" by Starship would be on the radio, Sarah would say, "That's my song." Too me, it was her song. I miss you so much and glad you were a part of my life. I just found out today, 1/14/2016 that you passed away Sept. 19, 2005. I was trying to find you for years and now I know you are safe with Jesus in Heaven. Pray for me Sarah and I look forward to seeing you someday soon in God's Kingdom!

A beautiful God loving lady. Was like a sister. I miss you so much!