Norma Grefe

1931 - 2025

Norma Grefe

January 25, 1931 - July 13, 2025

Norma Jean Grefe, age 94, of Sun Prairie, Wis., formerly, of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at her home.

A Memorial Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Picha Funeral Home, with Reverend Steven Keller officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Spring Grove Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells following the service. There will be a luncheon following the burial held at Spring Brook Sports Bar & Grill, 242 Lakeshore Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.

Norma was born January 25, 1931, in Baraboo, Wis., the daughter of Ernest A. Giebel and Bertha M. (Linnell) Giebel. After graduating from Baraboo High School, she moved to Madison, Wis., worked as a Bookkeeper at Woolworth's, and enjoyed dancing at Turner Hall. She eloped with Frederick R. Grefe in a double ceremony with her brother, Robert Giebel and Betty Walker on January 18, 1951. They were married for 71 years! Together with Fred they purchased a farm in the Wisconsin Dells area in 1955. She was a homemaker, avid gardener, raised chickens, and became the local egg lady. She worked for many years at Flambeau Plastics in Baraboo, Wis., and became a shift "Floor Lady." Upon retiring from Flambeau, she worked as a teacher aide for the Wisconsin Dells School district, Country Market, and Baileys Landing. She had many diverse hobbies; she quilted, crocheted, gardened, put together puzzles, was an avid reader, and enjoyed doing crosswords. Over the years she sewed and crocheted clothes for her family. Norma was creative and often made up her own patterns. She participated in craft shows selling crocheted animals, Christmas snowflake ornaments, and doll clothes. She designed and made many patchwork quilts and afghans for family members. Fred and Norma spent many Sundays taking the family on picnics and swimming at Castle Rock Juneau County Park or on Sunday drives. In retirement, Fred and Norma were fortunate to enjoy traveling, including cruises, many trips to annual services reunions, bus trips to numerous locations, and many car trips out west. Their car always seemed to stop whenever there was a cave around! After selling the farm they moved to a condominium in Sun Prairie, Wis., where she enjoyed potlucks with condominium friends. A special thank you to condo friends, Bill and Greg, for their care and support of Fred and Norma. Norma was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Wisconsin Dells. She was witty, sarcastic, and loved a good joke. The "Queen" will be greatly missed.

Norma was survived by her children, Fred (Marianne) Grefe of Vandalia, Ohio, Jeanne (Jim) Ashline of Sun Prairie, Judy (Dick) Brogley of Wisconsin Dells, Katherine Janisch of Sun Prairie, Doug Grefe of Baraboo, Toni (James) Brunker of Madison, Vicki (Joe) Hagen of Madison. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Phyllis Moore, of Mauston; grandchildren, Jacquetta (Steve) Atkins, Brian (Julie) Grefe, Doug (Elise Keith) Grefe Jr., Debbie (Todd) Zirzow, Melissa (Nathan) Novak, Brooke (Geoff) Utphall, Jill (Dale) Brown, Jason Grefe, Darren (Samantha Oelke) Grefe, Brenna Genovese, Brandon Grefe, Tyler (Brea) Janisch, Derek (Samantha Echevarria) Janisch, Larry (Caitlin) Volkey III, Eric (Jaylyn) Volkey, Adam (Brittany) Brunker, Nicole Cusimano (John), Sierra Grefe, Savannah Grefe, Alyssa Hagen; special family member, Denise Grefe; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; daughters, Terri Lynn Grefe, Deena Rae Grefe; great-great-granddaughter, Sapphire Amber Brogley; and four siblings, Mae Jones, Robert Giebel, Julius "Bud" Giebel and Lyle Giebel.

The family wants to thank Sun Prairie Fire, EMS, Senior Helpers - Madison, UW Hospital/Clinic medical staff for their wonderful care. For online condolences, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.

Picha Funeral Home - Wisconsin Dells