Reimer, Norma (1923-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Mar 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1923 May 5

text of obituary:

NORMA REIMER

Norma Reimer, daughter of Abraham U. and Katherine Buller Reimer, was born May 5, 1923, in Marion county, near Goessel, Kansas. She received her elementary education in the Pleasant Valley School and later finished high school at Goessel.

Her mother died when Norma was a mere infant of less than a year. The death of her mother was a great loss to the home, leaving seven children motherless. Her father, A. U. Reimer, found in Miss Margaret M. Schmidt a new mother for his children, who very ably undertook the duties of motherhood. They were married Oct 15, 1925.

After four years of wedded life the father's health began to fail and he became more and more feeble till death took him from the home on Jan 26, 1932. The duration of this union was a little over six years. His departure left the widowed mother with seven children, Norma being eight years of age. Naturally the loss of the father in the home left the home without a provider. However, the mother, with the help of the Lord, and with the assistance the children could give, very able conducted the affairs of the home.

Norma was of a quiet deposition, was interested in spiritual things, took part in church activities, such as singing in the choir, and was a faithful church attender. She was sure of her salvation and repeatedly made the statement that she was prepared to die when the Lord calls. This assurance that she has left to the family is a great comfort to them. When her health began to fail, she submitted to a goiter operation on Feb. 6, 1945, from which she never completely recovered.

Norma moved with her mother from their country home in August 1946 to a newly purchased home in Goessel. She was employed in the Goessel Telephone Exchange as an operator from Jan. l, 1947, until towards the close of the year. She discontinued this work because of her ill health. Her ambition was to enter nurses training. This however she could not do because of her failing health.

At the beginning of November, 1947 Norma left for a visit to her sister Martha, Mrs. H. D. Goossen, at Colby, Kans. During her stay her health did not improve, however, and she submitted to an operation in the Larned hospital. This did not give her any visible help. Although she remained for a time in the home of her sister she was again taken to the Larned hospital where she passed away March 5, 1948, at 10 a.m., reaching the age of 24 years and 10 months.

She leaves to mourn her sudden departure her mother, Mrs. A. U. Reimer, Martha, Mrs. H. D. Goessen, and family, Alice, of Enid, Okla., Margaret of the Bethesda hospital, Arthur and family of Newton, Walter of Lind, Wash., Irvin and wife of Hillsboro, Kans., and many other relatives and friends.

An infant brother and sister preceded her in death.

The Mennonite obituary: 1948 Mar 30 p. 11