Norma Fay (Cook) Rotgers

Norma Fay Rotgers, age 92, of Cameron, WI died on Tuesday, January 07, 2014.  Norma was born on April 2, 1921 in Chetek, WI to James and Katarina (Oman) Cook.

The family moved to Rice Lake, WI where her father owned and operated the Mobile Oil gas station.  Norma was in the first class to attend the new Lincoln Elementary School and had many happy memories living on North Wilson Avenue across from the Rainbow Gardens and next to the Barron County Fairground.  A child of the Great Depression years, Norma recalled the close bonds neighbors had with each other and could remember the families that lived in the houses in her neighborhood.  She spent summers swimming in Rice Lake and winters skating there, and was a voracious reader of books from the Carnegie Library.

Norma graduated from Washington High School in Rice Lake in 1939 and went to Business School in Milwaukee, WI and in Jacksonville, FL.  She worked at Great Lakes Naval Station during World War II and was fond of recalling the many activities, dances and dates with the young officers.

In 1944 Norma married John Rotgers from Melbourne, FL and they made their home there, operating their own businesses, including a country grocery store and filling station on the Kissimmee Highway where Norma met many colorful personalities from rural Florida.  In 1967 the family moved to Cameron, WI.  Norma worked in the Farmers’ Store for several years and later worked as a bookkeeper for the Cameron School District, retiring in 1989.

Norma was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Her family was her number one priority.  She loved to cook, read, work crossword puzzles and rarely missed Jeopardy! And Wheel of Fortune.  Norma never lost her enthusiasm and zest for life and her positive attitude was a gift to all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Karin (John) Jorstad of Chetek, Pieterke (Gary) Beckner of Mission Viejo, CA, and John (Andrea) Rotgers of Chanhassen, MN; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband John Rotgers; Sister, Freda and Brothers, Conrad and Palmer.

Memorial Services for Norma will be held Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Dovre Lutheran Church 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jeanne Warner officiating.  Family and friends may gather from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.  A time for fellowship and a luncheon will be held in the church immediately following the service. Interment will take place in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery in Chetek.