Norma Fuhrman

Norma Mary Spence Fuhrman, age 92, passed away peacefully at Brewster Village, Appleton, on June 5, 2016. She was born on March 17, 1924, to Mabel and William Spence in Bear Creek. She was the long desired sister to four older brothers and spent her youth wishing for a baby sister until Rosie was born in 1935. Norma lived on the farm, honed her housekeeping, babysitting and farm work skills until she graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1942. After graduation, Norma worked at Johnson Cookie Factory in Milwaukee.

Norma married Ralph Fuhrman at St. Mary Church in Bear Creek on June 22, 1948. They moved to Appleton where she spent the rest of her adult life. Norma and Ralph did not have children of their own, but raised foster children. One of these children, Darlene Deltour, was adopted as their daughter in 1965 when she was 10 years old. Norma enjoyed family life and raising Darlene. She was a member of St. Joseph Church, then St. Bernard Church and lastly at St. Pius Church in Appleton and volunteered at Keen Agers for many years. Norma's strong devotion to the Blessed Mother inspired her to pray the rosary weekly with her friends in her home and later in her room at the nursing home. She also enjoyed the yearly fishing trips and vacations with Ralph and his family. She made many friends because she was so interested in people and truly cared about them.

Norma is survived by her granddaughter Cristal DeRusha, Appleton, great-grandson, Micah DeRusha and son-in-law Dan DeRusha, Appleton; her sister, Rosemary Paul, West Bend; her brother-in-law, Norbert (Erika) Fuhrman, Kaukauna and sister-in-law Myrtle Conn, Tuscon, Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Aunt Norma. Norma is also survived by Donna Depner (Darlene's sister), and her friends: Jean Coffey, and Maria Torres who faithfully visited her at Carolina Manor and then at Brewster Village.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph, her daughter, Darlene, and brothers and sisters-in-law Roger (Eleanor)Spence, David (Dorothy)Spence, Robert(Elaine)Spence and Melvin(Vivian)Spence, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Vira Ziemer, Dorothy (Alvin) Norder, Norman (Alta) Fuhrman, Rudolf (Marilyn) Fuhrman, Myrna (William) Meyer.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 9th, 2016, at St. Pius Church, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Thomas J. Farrell at 10:30 AM. Visitation at St. Pius will be from 9 AM until the time of mass. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Wichmann Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Norma's family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff at Brewster Village for their excellent care, kindness and friendship with Norma.