Norma Jean (Schlundt) Klemz

April 1, 1931 – September 18, 2021

In the distance that separated her from family and friends, Norma Jean offered this greeting, which we received as benediction: "Feel my hug." She believed that the power of her love could fill the emptiness between her and those she loved.

On the morning of September 18, Norma Jean died at the home of her daughter, Brian and Tracy Goodluck, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Even through our tears of sorrow, we embrace the promise she received in holy baptism. God will never let go, forever holding her in love. In faith, her daughter and son, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews, pray that she can feel our loving hugs.

We do not know when Norma Jean first hugged Norman. She was a young teen when she met him in the church's confirmation class. More than a hug, they joined their lives together in 67 years of marriage. They taught us how to hold one another in steadfast love, "in sorrow and in joy, in sickness and in health."

Together, their home became a joy-filled, open door. Church members, dance club, dinner club, and bridge club members graced our home. As an avid committee member, she entertained meetings with PTA and the GOP. Norma and Norman were alumni of the storied South Bend Central High School. They relished planning, participating and partying at every reunion. Norma's sisters and their families were celebrated as close friends. Later in retirement, they reveled in hospitality shared and received at Six Lakes Country Club, in N. Ft. Myers, Florida.

Norma Jean held sorrow deep in her heart. She could never let go of the sharp grief she suffered with the death of their son, "Our Ken" in 1970. Norma Jean mourned the death of her husband in 2017, always clinging to his gift – a necklace – on which was engraved: "I loved you then. I love you still. I always have. I always will." In March of 2019, Norma could no longer evade the grip of dementia, beginning her long journey in hospice care.

Still, as if saying, "Feel my hug," Christ embraced Norma Jean. He came and made a home with her during those four years in Tracy's house. Norma Jean felt Christ's loving embrace through Amanda, who held her grandmother in caring compassion and Tracy, who surrounded her mother with steadfast love. Their home became a sanctuary of healing peace.

Under the wide expanse of God's embrace, we offer our gratitude for life shared with Norma Jean.

Her grandchildren remember her as a beautiful, talented, and creative woman, who was progressive before her time. She was an amazing cook, a grandmother who made you feel like a star, and loved you to the moon and back. With all of her family, we hope she can feel our hugs.

Norma Jean is survived by her son, Steve Klemz (Norma), daughter, Tracy Goodluck (Brian), grandchildren Andrea Bagioli (Paul), Jaime Diachun (Nick), Amanda Goodluck, Tiffany Klemz, Abel Klemz, Micah Klemz, and sisters Donna Neeser, and Nancy Whetstone.

A graveside service will be back home again, in Indiana, spring of 2022.

Posted online on September 22, 2021

Source: FindAGrave.com

06/18/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/232397534/norma-jean-klemz