Obit: Telford, Norma Ilene #2 (1927 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Telford, Jackson, Warner, Moen, Gabor, Tar, Schroeder, Larson, Sprecher, Simpson, Koch

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 1/27/2016

Telford, Norma Ilene (19 March 1927 - 18 January 2016)

Norma Ilene Telford, age 88, of Eau Claire, WI, died Monday, January 18, 2016, at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire, surrounded by her loving family.

Norma was born March 19, 1927, in Longwood, Clark County, Wisconsin to Donald and Lillian (Jackson) Warner. Norma was a Greenwood High School graduate and valedictorian of her class of 1945. In the early 1950s, she lived and worked in Madison, until she met Donald “Duce” Telford. They married in October of 1956 and moved to Eau Claire where they raised their children.

Early in her married life, Norma worked for The Fashion Store in downtown Eau Claire as a credit manager. When her girls were young, Norma worked part-time in bookkeeping at Lasker Jewelers. In 1970, Norma began working for the Indian Waters Girl Scout Council, retiring in 1991, after twenty-one years of service.

Grace Lutheran Church was an important part of Norma’s life and she was involved in many areas of its ministry over the decades. Norma was also an active member of The Sons of Norway and Romerike Laget, the Grace Church book Club, and The Red Hat Society. Norma was the family’s genealogist, devoted to researching and preserving the family history. She was known for the beautiful flower gardens she tended around her home, featuring perennials and annuals. Norma was a talented seamstress, not only sewing clothes for her family, but also bridal gowns and prom dresses at the request of neighbors and friends. Norma especially enjoyed spending time with her family at the cabin in the Chequamegon National Forest on Bear Lake, in Ashland County.

Norma’s family, neighbors and many friends were very important to her and she made an impact on every heart she touched. Norma was preceded in death by her parents: Donald and Lillian (Jackson) Warner; and two brothers: Kenneth Warner and Dick Warner.

She is survived by her husband, Donald “Duce” of Eau Claire; proud mother of two daughters: Karen (Steve) Moen of Eau Claire and Jane (Gabor) Tar of Afton, MN; grandmother of Ryan (Katrina) Moen, Rachel Moen and Sarah (Casey) Schroeder; one great-grandson, Brody; one sister, Ann Larson of San Antonio, TX; one sister-in-law, Ede Warner of Chetek; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service for Norma will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday January 24, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire with Pastor Dean Simpson and Pastor Barbara Koch officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, in Eau Claire, the following morning.

Norma’s family would like to thank Dr. Sprecher, Mayo Clinic Health System, Dove Healthcare West, and especially the staff at Dove’s Nest, for their loving care.

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave, Eau Claire is serving the family. To express online condolences, please visit obituaries at www.jenmarkfh.com.