Norma Jean Will, age 91, of Huron, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022 peacefully at her home after a brief battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron with burial following at St. Martin’s Cemetery in Huron. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7 pm at Welter Funeral Home in Huron with a scripture prayer service and rosary service beginning at 6:30 pm; or visitation one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church. Visit www.welterfuneralhome.com
Norma Jean Kirchner was born on March 1, 1931 in rural Box Butte County, north of Alliance, Nebraska, to Joseph John Kirchner and Wilhelmina “Minnie” Sophie (Zwiener) Kirchner. She attended school at Country School District No. 37 through the first grade. In 1937, her family moved east to Bellwood, Nebraska, where she continued her education. In December of 1943, her family returned to Alliance and she completed grades 8-12 at St. Agnes Academy graduating high school in 1948. Following graduation, Norma continued working for the Alliance Consumers Coop as a bookkeeper and credit union secretary until 1963. During this time, she enjoyed being “Aunt Norma” to all her nieces and nephews.
She first met William B. Will on a blind date in Fort Collins, Colorado and the lovebirds were married two years later on April 25, 1963 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance. They immediately moved to Huron, SD to pursue a job opportunity and begin their life together.
Beyond raising her three children, Norma was passionate about being active in her community. She was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Catholic Church serving as the head of the CCE Program and as the Alter Society’s treasurer and funeral committee leader for many years. She belonged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 60 years where she held all officer positions and was the recipient of numerous awards and achievements including being honored with the Diamond Circle Degree of the Laureate Chapter in 2015. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 68 years, holding numerous officer positions. She gave countless hours of her time volunteering to her children’s schools and other service organizations. Norma also enjoyed spending time reading, woodworking and homemaking.
She is survived by two children, Michelle (Ron) McCoy of Puyallup, Washington, and Kyle Will of Huron; three granddaughters, Ashlyn, Bryanne and Erin McCoy all of Puyallup, Washington; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Kirchner of Scottsbluff, Nebraska and Marilyn Will of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband William, one son, Michael; four brothers, Harold, Carroll, Richard and John; and one sister Meraldeen.
Memorials may be directed to the Huron Regional Medical Center Hospice Program.