Norma C. Zinke, 79, of Elroy died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, at Heritage Manor in Elroy.
She was born to Leland and Olga (Weiland) Chard in the town of Glendale. She was baptized Nov. 8, 1936, and confirmed April 2, 1950, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Kendall High School graduating class of 1954. Norma attended the county normal school for education, and then went on to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for her bachelor’s degree in education.
On June 2, 1956, Norma was united in marriage to Donald Zinke at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kendall. She taught at area rural schools for five years, for the Melrose School District for nine years, and finally at the Wisconsin Dells School District until her retirement.
Norma had many hobbies. She enjoyed working in the greenhouse and operating County Line Collectables. After she lost her eyesight, she enjoyed knitting and knitted many pairs of slippers. She was a faithful member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school and was the church organist for many years. She also enjoyed spending time visiting with her friends and her daily talks with her sister Ellen. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Donald of Elroy; two sisters-in-law, Irene Raymond of Camp Douglas and Marcella Vlasak of Mauston; nine nieces and nephews; many Amish friends; and other friends and relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Wendy; a sister and brother-in-law Ellen and Lyle Satona; a brother, Henry “Buzz” Chard; and two brothers-in-law, Robert Raymond and Leo Vlasak.
A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kendall. Pastor Steven W. Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church on Friday from 12 p.m. until the time of the service.
The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
