Mary Kathryn Norman January 10, 1953 – October 5, 2026
If you knew Mary Norman, chances are you had a great friend. Mary never needed much of a reason to lend a hand, share what she had, or make someone feel welcome. Generous by nature and always ready to help, she cared deeply about people and had a gift for turning acquaintances into friends. Mary lived her life with an open heart, and those fortunate enough to know her were better for it.
Mary passed away on October 5, 2026, at the age of 73, leaving behind a family she treasured and many friends whose lives she touched along the way.
Nothing meant more to Mary than her family. She loved her children deeply, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held an especially tender place in her heart. She delighted in being part of their lives, celebrating their joys, worrying about them when they struggled, and loving them through it all. When Mary loved you, she loved you with her whole heart.
And then there were the chickens. Anyone who knew Mary knew how much she loved them! They brought her tremendous joy and became one of those wonderfully distinctive things about Mary that family and friends will always remember with a smile.
Mary is survived by her significant other, Hank Damask; her sons, Adam (Manda) Norman and Brad Turonie; her grandchildren, Kristina (Ryan) Lofink, Kayla Norman, Zach Turonie, Angel (Allan) Luedtke, Hunter Turonie, Collin Turonie; and her great-grandchildren, Eli Lofink, River, Oaklynn, Meadow, Memphis, Laci Shultz, and Ava Kislow
She is also survived by her brothers, John (Nancy) Norman and Bruce (Roxanne) Norman, along with many other family members and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Hilding Conrad Norman and Ruth Erickson Norman; her sisters, Norma Kretzschmar, Marvel Klinger, Arlene Slais, Karen Lauren, Joan Zanella, and Shirley Shannon; her brothers, Allan Norman and Eugene Norman; and her grandchildren, Kolton Norman and Justin Gehrke.
Mary leaves behind much more than a list of names and dates. She leaves behind the kindness she showed others, the people she helped, the friendships she made, the family she loved so fiercely, and countless memories that will continue to be shared for years to come.
Mary will be remembered for the love she gave so freely to her family and for the special place she held in their lives. Her memory will live on in the many moments, traditions, and stories shared by those who loved her most.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
We will have a celebration of life at a later date.
We would like to thank Aspirus Cancer Center for taking such good care of Mary the last three years.
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com
