Obituary of Norma R Free

Norma R. Free, 83, of Jefferson, returned to her heavenly Father on September 20, 2020. She was able to stay at her home with the care of her husband Gordon, daughter Catherine, and the Rainbow Hospice, while battling Alzheimer's.

Norma was born on the family farm in Farmington to the late Ruth and Henry Klettke on April 23, 1937. She attended Jefferson High School, graduating in 1954. Norma worked for many years as an administrative secretary for many local businesses and local government, retiring from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department after 20 years of service.

Norma prided herself in her work, but also had many interests outside of the office including: crafting, cooking and baking, camping, rosemaling, calligraphy, and especially gardening. She was passionate about flowers and tending to her flower gardens. There wasn't a flower that she didn't like. There was hardly a day that went by in the summer that she didn't have fresh flowers in the house.

Her faith in the Lord was strong and she was a proud member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Jefferson, where she was once a secretary, and involved in many church activities and functions.

She was always willing to help others less fortunate and take care of her family. Family was a very important part of her life. She was a wonderful wife, Mom, and Oma (Grandmother) to her family. If you were going to Oma's house, you knew there would be plenty to eat, some homemade treats, and warm fellowship. Oma's doors were always open and she delighted organizing, cooking, and hosting years of family get-togethers.

Norma is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gordon, her son Kevin (Lori) Free of Ephraim, her daughter Catherine (Steve) Dinkel of Jefferson, her wonderful granddaughters, Heidi Free, Holly (Beau) Thomas, Anna (fiance Noah Ludwig) Dinkel, Jenna Dinkel, her brother Claude Klettke of Jefferson, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Harold Wright, and her sister Helen Overdahl.

She married her husband, Gordon, on December 28, 1957 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Jefferson. They have been residents of Jefferson ever since.

The family wishes to thank the tireless work of the Rainbow Hospice workers who provided her with such loving care.

Donations may be made in honor of Norma to Tomorrow's Hope or the Alzheimer's Association. Due to the Coronavirus, unfortunately, the funeral will be a private family service.

The family, however, wishes to extend the invitation to all for a special graveside visitation ceremony on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 3PM followed by a committal ceremony at 3:30PM at the Union Cemetery, Dewey Avenue, Jefferson, WI. 

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, WI is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com