Norma Hilda Witthuhn, 92, of Columbus passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at her daughter’s home, where she had been living for a month, while receiving Hospice Care. Norma was born the daughter of Edmund and Erma (Hoene) Fierke on March 28, 1931, in Columbus, WI. Her mother died 11 days later. NormaContinue Reading
Norma Hilda Witthuhn, 92, of Columbus passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at her daughter’s home, where she had been living for a month, while receiving Hospice Care.
Norma was born the daughter of Edmund and Erma (Hoene) Fierke on March 28, 1931, in Columbus, WI. Her mother died 11 days later. Norma was then raised by her Aunt Helen and Uncle Art Turner in Sharon WI until she graduated from Sharon High School in 1949. She then returned to Columbus to be near her three older siblings. Thus, her life in Columbus began (again).
Norma was employed at various jobs in the Columbus area. She was married to Earl Witthuhn, who preceded her in death in 1985. Together they ran Earl’s Café for more than 30 years. Norma was a member of the Columbus Firemen’s Auxiliary and a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus.
Norma dearly loved her family and appreciated the simple things in her full life. Norma never turned down a chance for some fun or an adventure. She had an amazing memory and shared lots of stories about her life.
Norma is survived: by her daughter Joyce Shepard of Columbus, WI; son Jim (Eileen Summers) Witthuhn of Sun Prairie, WI/Land of Lakes, FL; Grandchildren: Deana (Andy) Moon of Baraboo, WI; Damon (Marla) Desjarlais of Franklin, TN; Brian Witthuhn, of Seoul, South Korea. Step-grandchildren: Brigette (Jim Hubred) Shepard of Columbus; Fuzzy (Marie Abegglan) Shepard of Fall River. Great-grandchildren: Abby, Carly, and Jon Moon; Mark Desjarlais; Tyler Desjarlais. Step-great-grandchildren: Dustin (Kali) Shepard; Amber (James) Hubbard; Jordon (Michelle) Neller. One great-great-grandchild and five step-great-great-grandchildren. Sister-in-law Geraldine Fierke of Juneau, WI; other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Earl; sisters Aleda Schliewe and Doris Gabbard; brother Marvin Fierke; son-in-law Fredric Shepard; and 2 brothers-in-law.
A Funeral Service for Norma will be held on Friday, September 29, at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Tim Schwartz officiating. A visitation for Norma will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow the service at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.
The family wishes to thank the Poser Clinic, Columbus Prairie Ridge Hospital and Bristol Hospice for their care and support.
Memorials may be directed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, or the American Cancer Society.
Del Webb Friends
left a message on September 25, 2023:
Bonnie Kindschi Daniels
left a message on October 4, 2023:
Dear Joyce and family, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I knew your mom from Earl's cafe and then later in life when I was the manager of the apartment complex she lived in. She was always fun to talk with and a great tenant. God's blessings on you and your family. RIP Norma.
Eisbrenner Family
left a message on September 29, 2023:
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Norma. Death of a loved one is never easy but to know Norma lived a full life with such a loving family and so many friends over the years is comforting. This Bible verse recorded in John 5:28 has been of comfort for our family. It reads “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out “. May God Jehovah give strength and his love to each of you.
Gary Witthuhn
left a message on September 28, 2023:
Joyce and Jim,
Our condolences
Gary and Diane Witthuhn
The Villages,FL
Anonymous
left a message on September 27, 2023:
Roxanne M Weihert
left a message on September 26, 2023:
Joyce, so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Many joyful memories of your Mom working with her for close to 12 years. Never a dull moment there :). Hope you and your family are well. My brother Gary Schroeder had just texted me this evening of her passing. My husband and I will not be available to attend service because we are away on vacation, and not planning to return until Saturday or Sunday. My brother Gary and Bridget had just been talking of your Mom and you about a month ago. They said they had run into your Mom somewhere.
My number is (920) 210-7748. It would be great to hear from you. Please feel free to text at this number. Would like to get together once we have returned and exchange stories. Yours truly, Roxanne Weihert
Steven R. Weishoff
left a message on September 26, 2023:
Dear Joyce , Sorry to hear that your mother has passed. Lots of great times at "Earl's Cafe" after bar time. Norma would clean out that great big Coffee marker behind the counter ,she would have half her body inside of it. I also didnt realize that she was Marvin Fierke brother. My parents were like best friends with Marvin's family. Joyce you take good care and may your Mother Rest In Peace. Steve Weishoff
Margaret Sullivan
left a message on September 25, 2023:
Joyce, you and your family have my sympathy. Norma was a special patient to me and I fondly remember the stories she shared with me about her life. May she rest in peace.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Del Webb Friends
left a message on September 25, 2023:
Bonnie Kindschi Daniels
left a message on October 4, 2023:
Dear Joyce and family, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I knew your mom from Earl's cafe and then later in life when I was the manager of the apartment complex she lived in. She was always fun to talk with and a great tenant. God's blessings on you and your family. RIP Norma.
Eisbrenner Family
left a message on September 29, 2023:
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Norma. Death of a loved one is never easy but to know Norma lived a full life with such a loving family and so many friends over the years is comforting. This Bible verse recorded in John 5:28 has been of comfort for our family. It reads “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out “. May God Jehovah give strength and his love to each of you.
Gary Witthuhn
left a message on September 28, 2023:
Joyce and Jim,
Our condolences
Gary and Diane Witthuhn
The Villages,FL
Anonymous
left a message on September 27, 2023:
Roxanne M Weihert
left a message on September 26, 2023:
Joyce, so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Many joyful memories of your Mom working with her for close to 12 years. Never a dull moment there :). Hope you and your family are well. My brother Gary Schroeder had just texted me this evening of her passing. My husband and I will not be available to attend service because we are away on vacation, and not planning to return until Saturday or Sunday. My brother Gary and Bridget had just been talking of your Mom and you about a month ago. They said they had run into your Mom somewhere.
My number is (920) 210-7748. It would be great to hear from you. Please feel free to text at this number. Would like to get together once we have returned and exchange stories. Yours truly, Roxanne Weihert
Steven R. Weishoff
left a message on September 26, 2023:
Dear Joyce , Sorry to hear that your mother has passed. Lots of great times at "Earl's Cafe" after bar time. Norma would clean out that great big Coffee marker behind the counter ,she would have half her body inside of it. I also didnt realize that she was Marvin Fierke brother. My parents were like best friends with Marvin's family. Joyce you take good care and may your Mother Rest In Peace. Steve Weishoff
Margaret Sullivan
left a message on September 25, 2023:
Joyce, you and your family have my sympathy. Norma was a special patient to me and I fondly remember the stories she shared with me about her life. May she rest in peace.
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