Norma Jean Dendinger

Norma Jean Dendinger, age 92, of Coleridge, Nebraska died peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Park View Haven Nursing Home in Coleridge with her family at her side.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Coleridge with Bishop William J. Dendinger, Rev. David Liewer, and Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael's cemetery in Coleridge. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at church, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue the morning of the funeral one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Coleridge.

You may watch a livestream of the funeral at www.facebook.com/WintzRay/live 

Pallbearers will be Jacob Dendinger, Michael Dendinger, Bethany Barelman, Ben Barelman, Bill Barelman, Stephanie Haschke, T.J. Howell, Rochelle King, Matthew Klein, Luke Klein, Jackson McCullough, Madi McCullough, Reagan McCullough, and John Boesen.

Norma Jean was born on September 25, 1931 in Hartington to Hugo Francis and Mathilda H. (Sudbeck) Stappert. She grew up in Bow Valley, Nebraska and attended elementary school there. After graduating from Holy Trinity High School in 1949, Norma worked as a secretary for the Cedar County Court Judge and for Social Services. On August 9, 1955, Norma married John "Jack" David Dendinger in Bow Valley, Nebraska. She and Jack raised six children – David, Jolene, Jean, Marilyn, Jacqueline, and Patty. Norma helped Jack on the farm feeding cattle and raised a big garden every year. She also did a lot of canning and freezing of her produce. Norma enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting, and was a regular blood donor. In addition, Norma worked for Park View Haven Nursing Home as a CNA for several years. Most important, Norma will be remembered for nurturing her family and those around her throughout her life.

Norma was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, its Altar Society, served on the Parish Council, and taught CCD. She volunteered her time sewing baptismal gowns and pressing altar linens for the church. Norma was also a member of Christian Mothers and assisted with Mass at Park View Haven Nursing Home. In addition, Norma was a member of the Coleridge American Legion Post #114 Auxiliary. 

Norma is survived by her six children and spouses, David (Laura) Dendinger of Coleridge; Jolene (Tom) Howell of Lincoln, Jean (Daren) Klein of Omaha, Marilyn McCullough of Stevenson Ranch, CA, Jacqueline (Monte) Boesen of Malcolm, and Patty (John) Ryan of Omaha; 14 grandchildren; and sister-in-law Claudette Stappert of Coleridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugo and Mathilda Stappert; husband Jack on November 9, 2009 at the age of 80 years; two brothers, James (Theresa) Stappert and Charles Stappert; and a sister, Genevieve (Gilbert) Kathol.