Norma Lucille Grittner

Norma Lucille Grittner passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025 surrounded by her loving husband, soul mate, and best friend, Michael, six children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Norma was born on New Years Eve 1932 to Gilbert and Mary Rhyner of Westboro, Wisconsin. 

Norma’s greatest joy in life was home and family. She gathered us together for every occasion at her “party house.” She welcomed all of us and our assortment of friends over the years. She especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren who have many cherished memories of fun-filled days camping, crafting, homemade malts, fabulous food, games, and hours of swimming in the pool. A day full of fun and laughter often ended wrapped in warm towels and eating ice cream with grandma. (“It irritated grandma when we took a bath, and then jumped back in the pool”). 

Norma loved being outdoors in the sunshine. She enjoyed the flowers and birds in her garden and listening to her “tunes.” As well as raising six children, she had a nursing career, and was a long-time member of a garden club and a bridge club. Norma and Mike also belonged to a local tennis and dance club. In their later years, they enjoyed traveling, playing golf and spending time at their Florida home with relatives and friends.

She leaves behind a legacy of a large, close-knit, loving family who will miss her and carry her spirit with them always. Though our hearts are heavy, we honor her with love, laughter and joy. 

Norma is survived by her husband Michael (aka Mike/Mickey), children Kathleen (Mark), Dianna (Dave), Michael, Lynn (Paul), Jacqueline (Todd) and Herman James (Michelle), 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and brothers Allen and Everett. Norma is preceded in death by sisters Marie and Diane, brother Gordon and great-grandchild Atlas White Eagle.

We wish to extend our utmost gratitude to the caregivers, cooks and entire staff at the View at Pine Ridge in Oconomowoc for their outstanding patience, care, understanding and genuine compassion bestowed upon our entire family these past 3 years, especially to husband Mike, who they adopted as family. He wholeheartedly appreciates all the kind words, hugs and extra desserts. Thank you for taking such good care of him also.

A celebration of Norma's life will be held on Thursday, September 25 at St Jerome Church, 995 S. Silver Lake Street, Oconomowoc, WI 53066. Visitation will be 10:00 am to noon, Noon Mass, followed by lunch at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis Tennessee or St. Jerome Parish in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin are welcome in Norma’s name.