Norma Anne Klanderman, age 91, of Woodville, Wisconsin, formerly of St. Paul, Minnesota, peacefully left this world on December 23rd, 2023. Although she will be missed, her departure from this world will be seen as another one of her many adventures.
Born to Helen and Arnold Solberg in St. Paul, Minnesota, Norma had a traditional Irish Catholic upbringing. One which conceivably influenced her fondness for a good laugh and occasional whiskey. As a young woman, she was married to an artist and businessman, Jack Hatfield. While their love was seen as unconventional, there was never a lack of love or laughter. In 1956, she gave birth to a daughter, Jac-Lynn (Jackie). Jack, Norma, and Jackie were all gifted artists and enjoyed working in multiple mediums. In 1973, they moved from their hobby farm in Eagan Minnesota to a farm south of Woodville Wisconsin. This was followed by the untimely passing of Jack in 1974. Norma was lucky to quickly find love again and married a local cattle salesman, Bob Berkseth. Sadly, their marriage was cut short after Bob lost his battle with lung cancer.
The later years of her life were spent with her husband, Carroll Klanderman, whom she married in 1986. The two danced through life for 37 years, proving that a second love can be as enduring as Irish lace curtains and Waterford crystal. Carroll and Norma explored the world together; enjoying trips to Ireland, Norway, England, and the Netherlands. Between these trips they enjoyed tending their large rose garden, sipping iced tea on quiet summer nights, and reading side by side in their matching winged-back chairs. Her love for him was unwavering and their endearment towards one another was evident to her last days. Even as her memory faded, she never stopped asking, “Where’s my Husband?”.
She was a bold woman with few fears. No dream was too big and no destination was too far. Encouraging, accepting, and compassionate were some of her many attributes. Standing up for the underdog was something she did with great moxie, and a quality she passed to her daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughters.
Norma embraced life as an eternal optimist and had an endless supply of witty (and often inappropriate) jokes, songs, and stories. She had a weakness for handsome men, an intolerance of assholes, and a love of coffee and chocolate. Norma remained a kid at heart. Even into her 80s, she could be found shooting straw wrappers across the restaurant table, playing at the park with her great-grandchildren, reading Harry Potter, or ordering a Happy Meal®. Her commitment to her family was evident by her constant presence and a testament to her deep love. She was ever only a phone call away, always answering “Yell-oh”.
As you think of Norma in years to come, remember her with a smile, raise a glass in her name, and when you hear an Irish Jig – get up and dance.
Preceded in death by parents Arnold and Helen Solberg; sister Mary Dwyer; brother John Solberg; husbands Jack Hatfield and Orville “Bob” Berkseth.
Survived by husband Carroll Klanderman; daughter Jackie (Stuff) Tyler; grand-daughter Sarah (Jared) Tyler-Peterson; grandson John (Amber) Tyler; great-grandchildren Rhyan, Roslyn, Wesley Nichols, Chet Tyler and Khloe Peterson.
Bonus children Lila Hambleton, Leland (Robin) Klanderman, Leah Klanderman, and Ellen (Graham) Sones. Bonus grandchildren: Jeannie (Bruce), Kathy (Bruce), Will (Sara), Bess, Jim (Rachel), Lilly, Maddy, Aaron, Carl, and Olivia. Bonus great-grandchildren John, Eileen, Rue, and Gilbert.
A Visitation for Norma was held Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street Baldwin, WI 54002 with a Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.
