Velma I. Norberg

PORTAGE –  Velma I. Norberg, age 91, of Portage, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2011 at Tivoli, after having a hemorrhagic stroke on March 7th.

Velma was born on March 31, 1920 in Goodwin, South Dakota, the daughter of Mortiz and Anna (Wemmering) Lassig.  She was married to Robert Norberg, who preceded her in death.  She was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau.  Velma had worked for Marshall Erdman for a number of years.  Upon her retirement, she and Bob retired to Florida, where they spent the next 33 years. She then moved back to Portage to be close to her family.  Velma loved flowers and watching birds, cooking, and reading recipes.  She was a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers.  She greatly appreciated her grandsons-in-law, Bill and Jim, for everything they built and repaired for her.  She often said how they reminded her of her husband, Bob.  Velma enjoyed residing at Heritage House.

She is survived by her daughter, Lou Ann (John) Anecki, Oxford;  two granddaughters, Joy (Bill) Chadwick, Portage, and Hope (Jim) Kollath, Portage;  two great-granddaughters, Emily and Hannah Kollath;  and many, many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son.

A private service will be held with immediate family and close friends.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring staff at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital and Tivoli.