Marion Ethel Norstrant, nee Wilson, of West Bend, was peacefully called to heaven by our Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 12, 2007.
Marion was born August 21, 1923, the third of three daughters, to Harlan and Bessie Wilson, in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. They were known as "The Wilson Girls" and remembered for their good looks, beautiful singing voices, and talent as great cooks. Marion graduated from Berlin High School and then from the Oshkosh State Teacher's College.
She married the love of her life, the late Dale Norstrant, September 27, 1946. Dale preceded her in death in January of 2001.
Although they did not have a family of their own, Marion loved and was loved by countless children as a result of her many years as a kindergarten teacher. She retired in 1983 after 26 years of teaching in the West Bend School District at Decorah Elementary. Her love of children, value of family, and commitment to God will be continued through various trusts Dale and Marion established in support of their community to which they were deeply committed.
Dale and Marion were well known for their enjoyment of camping. They traveled the country extensively pulling their camper to nearly every state in the union. After retirement, they sold their home and took to the highway for a four-year camping trip, ending with spending the next several winters in Florida and the remainder of the year at their home at Cedar Ridge where they lived for nearly twenty years.
Marion was a long-time member of Fifth Avenue Methodist Church actively participating in both the Methodist Women's Group and the church choir. After moving to Cedar Ridge, she volunteered there primarily in the music listening program. Furthermore, she was a member of the Ridgeville Choristers singing both with the group and as a soloist with her clear soprano voice. Only days before leaving us, she was in four Easter performances.
After retirement Marion discovered her talent as an artist. She spent many pleasurable hours creating beautiful watercolor paintings that she graciously shared with friends and family who eagerly awaited her hand-painted Christmas cards each year.
She was an avid reader, seldom being seen without a book in her hand. Marion doted on her nieces and nephews. They will miss her dearly as will her many close friends.
Survivors include her sister, Floriene Ericson; nieces and nephews, Wayne (Marilyn) Ericson, Lee (Kristyne) Ericson, Kenneth Nowak, Jane (Hal) Rogers, Linda (Wayne) Zuhlke, Inez (Jim) Trantow, and Willis Seabrook and several grandnieces and grandnephews. She is further survived by her dear friends the Rev. Curt and Mrs. Marge Schowalter and Dr. John and Mrs. Barbara Koehler.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, and sister, Alice Fuller.
A private memorial service will be held at Fifth Avenue Methodist Church, West Bend. Inurnment will be in Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend.
Marion has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials should be given to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of the giver's choice. Even in her death, her desire was to give back to the community.