Passing of a Saint

My grandmother passed away last Wed. The funeral was Sat. in Wells, MN. It was a time of mixed emotions, sadness along with joy in seeing so many relatives. (It had been 6 years since I'd been to the farm). Below is a beautiful eulogy written by my Aunt Amy. (If I can get my computer at home to work, I'll post pictures from the weekend.)

Norma Lillian was born to Edwin and Martha Zabel June 10, 1927 in Minnesota Lake Township, Minnesota. One of 4 children, she was raised during the Great Depression. Norma learned the value of saving. She grew up on a farm where she had several daily chores. She told of how her mother would grab a pole and a bucket each morning and went down to a nearby fishing hole to fish for breakfast. Educated until 8th grade, Norma was needed on the farm thereafter.
She thought she was done with farm chores one day when a handsome Howard Treptow came calling. They’d met at a matinee movie shortly before. After a brief courtship, he proposed to her while she was sitting in the barn milking cows. He said, “Marry me and you’ll never have to milk another cow!” – Howard lied. Norma was happy though. Shortly after getting married Howard and Norma moved to the farm where they resided for the past 50+ years. Soon, a wonderful little boy named Jerry came into their lives. Then another special little guy named Larry. A darling daughter named Linda. A tall baby boy named Mike. A beautiful daughter named Susan. A spunky little girl named Peggy. A strong boy named Keith, and last but not least, a loving baby Chad. These children were Norma’s pride and joy. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than to see them happy. Can you imagine all of the pain, worries, diaper changes, breast-feeding, crying, whining, headaches and heartaches she’s been through? Norma did not have an easy life. But she never complained.
Once the children were grown the grandchildren started to arrive. Soon there were 23 of them as well as 6 greats! “Time goes by faster when you get older,” Norma would say. She’d try to visit as many as possible, “depending on the weather.” - One too many times pushing a car out of a MN snowstorm I guess…
Norma was known for her generosity. She not only donated her time to bake items regularly to serve in church (fellowship hour, bake sales, and funerals), she was available to read passages from the Bible during Ruth Circle and assist with quilt making for over 45 years. When her children were small, she taught Sunday school for every one of them. All of her children graduated from High School. A feat not every mother realizes. Norma told anecdotes of how she’d have to go into town to get the kids from school because of a broken bone, trouble with a teacher, forgotten band shoes, illness, or whatever else she needed to relieve herself with a big sigh from. But she never complained. Norma took everything in stride. Regardless of what was thrown at her, poverty, multiple pregnancies, miscarriage, heart disease, cancer, surgeries, she took it and turned it into something good. We can learn a lot from Norma Lillian. When God made her He not only broke the mold, He shattered it. It’s hard enough to live up to your mother-in-law in the eyes of your husband. Imagine having someone as precious as Norma? She was always kind to whoever was a guest in her home. I don’t recall her ever- speaking ill of anyone who would take the time to come for a visit.
Interestingly enough, Norma had a knack for having something freshly made in the house. Whether it was a pan of bars, zucchini cake, cookies, baked or bar-b-qued chicken, a roast, or a refrigerator dessert, her cooking/baking will surely be missed. She was so proud to have items to offer her family and friends. Norma was also known for never throwing certain things away. Cool-whip bowls and covers, Zip-Lok bags, bread ties, and leftovers, Norma truly knew how to make the most of everything.
Norma didn’t have many luxuries in life. She held her babies instead of putting them in an Exersaucer, she stood at the sink and hand-washed her dishes, she sewed patches on old clothing without asking for anything new for herself. Norma was definitely one-of-a-kind. She provided fresh eggs to others for years through hard work, and she never complained. - How many loved ones and pets have passed on before her? The grief she’d suffered is unimaginable. But in the rush of everyday life, Norma knew how to cope and be truly happy.
Now that she rests with the Lord, we have to be grateful for how Norma Lillian (Zabel) Treptow has touched our lives. Whether she was your neighbor, friend, cousin, aunt, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother or wife, Norma will never be forgotten. We love you and wish the best for you always. Until we see you again in heaven, may the Lord bless you and keep you forever! AmenWith love, Amy Olson-Treptow (5/06)