Merilyn Nofsinger, 94, of Norwalk passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015, peacefully in the comfort of her own home.
She was born May 13, 1921, to Ransom Er and Amy (Newlun) Shumate near La Farge, on Maple Ridge. She married James Nofsinger in Decorah, Iowa, on Nov. 15, 1939, in a double ceremony with their friends Walter and Cleota Burch.
They moved to Chalvin Valley in rural Ontario, where they farmed with Jim’s parents, sister and brother and their families. The home they all shared was enormous. After a few years, Merilyn and Jim moved outside of Norwalk and started their own farm. There they raised nine children and any neighbor or community kid who tagged along. Merilyn was a second mother to many in the community and was known never to turn away another mouth to feed and no one ever left their farm hungry.
Merilyn had a passion for people. She was a doer and a giver: helping people was just automatic with her, as was her love of religion. She believed strongly that actions spoke louder than words. Church and community service were a great portion of her life, and she was very active with the Norwalk Immanuel United Methodist Church. Involvement included singing in the choir; participating in the women’s group, including leadership positions for more than 30 years; representing the church at the Wisconsin UMC Annual Conference; and participating on the church board. She regularly traveled to Valley, where she was part of the Valley Methodist Quilting Circle. Her companion to Valley was her friend Ardyth Meyers, with whom she literally and figuratively “raised cane.”
Merilyn had a love of learning. She took driver’s education class when she was 50 with her son Scott and her on-the-road training four years later with her daughter Ruby. Merilyn was a big part of the Friends of the Community organization in Norwalk. The group was developed when the little village had an influx of Spanish-speaking people. When she was in her 70s, she was one of the Norwalk citizens to take a Spanish class so that she could help those who were not fluent in English. She was an avid reader until the end of her life.
Merilyn was also on the Senior Advisory Committee for Monroe County. As a member, she was a great advocate for the elderly. She kept herself in prime physical condition by walking six miles around town every day. This activity is what allowed her to participate in the annual Crop Walk organization until she was 87 years young. She also won many road races/walks for her age category.
Merilyn is survived by her children, Lauren (Karen) Nofsinger of Julesberg, Colo., Dennis (Julie) Nofsinger of Forsyth, Ga., Merna Nofsinger of Thomaston, Ga., Scott (Cindy) Nofsinger of Norwalk, Ruby Cook of Pollek, Texas (Robert Nunn), Kim Neal Nofsinger of Norwalk, and Brice (Judy) Nofsinger of Cashton; a daughter-in-law, Gloria Nofsinger of Wilton; a son-in-law, Norman Kowitz of Norwalk; 36 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; and 35 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Joe (Shirley) Nofsinger of Mauston; two sisters-in-law, Beverly Nofsinger of Hillsboro and Noreen Nofsinger of La Farge; her special friends, Shirley Degenhardt, Junior Degenhardt, Mike Berendes, and Barb Hanson; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
Merilyn was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; a daughter, Amy Kowitz; a son, Ray “Razor” Nofsinger; six grandchildren, James “Cricket” Nofsinger, Michelle Nofsinger, Karen Nofsinger, Carla May Kowitz, Lee Kowitz and Sam Cook; a son-in-law, Don Cook; her brothers, Wayne, Verne and Raymond Shumate; along with one sister, Alene Lorna Shumate.
The funeral was Saturday, May 23, at the Norwalk Community Center. Darrell Zietlow officiated. Burial followed in Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery, three miles south of Norwalk on County Highway T.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home of Norwalk and Sparta assisted the family with details.
