Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1939

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Mueller Funeral Homes Ottawa

800 First Avenue

Ottawa, Illinois

Norma Brenbarger Obituary

Norma Jean (Schomas) Brenbarger
Born: March 28, 1939 in Ottawa, IL
Died: May 13, 2025 in Bloomington, IL
Norma Brenbarger, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at St. Francis Church in Ottawa with Msgr. Mark Merdian. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Mueller Funeral home in Ottawa.
Norma was born on March 28, 1939 in Ottawa to Charles and Daisy (Lawrence) Schomas. She grew up the youngest of Charles and Daisy's children. Always trying to keep up with the rest of the west side kids. She graduated from St. Francis and Marquette High Schools. She loved roller skating at the rink in town. She retired from AT&T in Montgomery after 25 years, from driving a school bus for O.E.S for 25 years and as a playground supervisor for Jefferson Elementary. She married and divorced Darwin Brenbarger from Belvidere at St. Francis Church . She was a member of St. Columba and Catholic Daughters. Norma enjoyed doing puzzles and being with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters, Valarie (Cliff) Mahoney of Sterling, Sonya (Rich) Wheeler of Ottawa, Steven (Amy) Brenbarger of Ottawa, Brian (Angie) Brenbarger of Streator; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Rose Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Daisy; her ex-husband, Darwin; 19 brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jo Stewart, Chad Wheeler, Christopher Stewart, Jenna Wheeler, Ellie Pierce, and Kendra Jobst.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jared Stewart, Chase Wheeler, Kassandra Haff, Landry Brenbarger, Cheyenne Brenbarger, and Alex Brenbarger.
Memorials may be directed to the family or the American Heart Association.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by My Web Times on May 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Norma Brenbarger

Sponsored by Mueller Funeral Homes Ottawa.

Not sure what to say?





Make a Donation
in Norma Brenbarger's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Norma Brenbarger

May

22

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Mueller Funeral Home - Ottawa

800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350

May

23

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

820 Sanger Street, Ottawa, IL 61350

Funeral services provided by:

Mueller Funeral Homes Ottawa

800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350

How to support Norma's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Norma Brenbarger's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more