Norma Fruechte
Norma Lucille Fruechte (born Norma Lucille Paus), 97, resident of New Albin, died April 27, 2019 at Thornton Manor Care Center in Lansing. A Celebration of Norma’s Life was held Saturday, May 4 at St. Peter’s Christian Community Church in New Albin with Pastor Dick Wohlgemuth officiating and Military Honors following.
Norma was born April 24, 1922 in Dorchester. She was raised on a farm near Dorchester and attended the Hanover Grade School and Caledonia High School. After high school, she briefly moved to Utah and then to California. In California she worked for Cole of California where she sewed swimsuits.
After the start of World War II, she sewed parachutes on the same machines in the same factory before joining the U.S. Navy WAVES for the duration of the war. She served with the WAVES for 20 months and was honorably discharged at the end of the war. After her discharge, she worked in the Eitzen, MN Post Office, Eitzen Grocery Store, and also had a dress shop in town.
Norma married Albert Fruechte January 23, 1951 in Frankfort, IL. Together they had three children and they raised them in New Albin. Norma was a caretaker; After raising her children, she helped raise her six grandchildren, who meant everything to her. As her parents aged, she was also very attentive to them. Norma cared for Albert throughout their marriage and as he aged, until his death December 14, 1997, after nearly 47 years of marriage.
Norma was a constant and kind presence in New Albin. She could frequently be seen walking around the town, even during the last year of her life. Her family fondly remembers Norma’s love of Scrabble, the Chicago Cubs, and her various pets throughout the years. For many years, she was active in the New Albin St. Peter’s United Church of Christ with Women’s Fellowship and teaching Sunday School. She was also a seamstress who could expertly reupholster a chair or sofa and was also a skilled knitter and quilter. Most importantly, she is remembered for her kindness, her gentle spirit, and her love for her family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Steven Fruechte of La Crosse, WI; her son, Barry (Lisa) Fruechte of New Albin; her daughter, Renee (Mark) Hammell of Dorchester; her six grandchildren, Nicholas (Melissa) Hammell, Levi (Meagan) Hammell, Betsy (Alberto) Whitlatch, Bart (Amairani) Fruechte, Jay (Jaquelyne) Fruechte and Sophia Fruechte; her great-grandchildren, Isabelle Hammell, Leona Hammell, Arabella Jensen, Gabriel Hammell, Oliver Hammell, Arthur Whitlatch, Hugo Whitlatch, Baby Whitlatch due in October, and Baby Fruechte due in July; a sister-in-law, Delores Paus; and several nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her parents, Walter Paus and Emma (Wiemerslage) Paus; her brother, Raymond Paus; and her sister, Roma Paus.
Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.
