Norma Kemerling

11/18/1918 - 4/18/2017 Wausau - Norma Kemerling was born in Charlotte, Michigan to Wave Bell (Starks) Moist and Edward Harvey Moist. She was married to Hubert Clifford "Baldy" Kemerling for 59 years and they were the proud and loving parents of Jim and Mike. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, HC Kemerling, sister, Maxine Cross, daughter-in-law, Jan Kemerling, nephew, George Cross, niece, Westa Kemerling, grandson-in-law, Jim Schremp, relative Bruce Bjornseth and many cherished friends, including Marylu Dozier, Jeannie Trudgeon and Ginny Spalsbury. She is survived by Jim Kemerling of Wausau, Wisconsin, Mike (Alice) Kemerling of Kalamazoo, Michigan, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and extended family. Norma was an enthusiastic and spirited adventurer. Proud of her independence, she lived alone well into her 90s. She began driving at age 13 and throughout the years orchestrated multiple solo road trips between Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin and, in her 80s, a seven-week cross-country road trip with co-pilot and dear friend Virginia (Jinny) Doane. Norma was competitive. She was a stellar bridge player, a billiards champ and an avid golfertwice securing a hole in one and last July serving as honorary verbal caddy for her great-grandson. Norma opened her home to anyone who needed a limited or long-term residence. Always welcoming annual stopovers by her niece, JoAnn (Edward) Dulworth and family, she treasured a recent extended visit from great-niece Shelly Moses and daughter, Elizabeth and regular visits from nephew Ken (Charlotte) Kemerling. A fan of Frank Sinatra, dancing, and living life in her own way, Norma requested that "My Way" be played at her life celebration and private family burial, which will be held in Kalamazoo, Michigan later this year. The family would like to thank the staff, physicians and caregivers at the retirement community and hospice where Norma resided for embracing individuality and providing compassionate care. Memorial donations can be made to Aspirus Hospice House, 530 North 32nd Avenue, Wausau, Wisconsin 54401 or Ministry with Community, 500 North Edwards Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan.