Red Lake Falls - Norma Champagne, 66, died Wednesday, March 25, 1998 at her home in Oklee.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 30 at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee with Reverend Robert Paulson officiating. Marian Marquis was the organist, and special music was provided by Carolyn Rystad, Donna Sherman, Lori Melby and Erin Melby. Casketbearers were Terry Whalen, Tyler Radniecki, Adam Stoneouse, Tim Whalen Jr., Larry Skallet and Norman Nelson. Honorary casketbearers were all of Norma's grandchildren. Burial was in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery near Oklee. The Petterson Funeral Home of Red Lake Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Norma Delores Distad was born on October 5, 1931 at Oklee, the daughter of Henry and Tina (Aakre) Distad. She was raised in the Oklee area and graduated from Oklee High School in 1949.
On December 17, 1949 she was united in marriage to William Champagne at St. John's Catholic Church in South Milwaukee, WI. Bill and Norma lived in Milwaukee until the summer of 1950 when they moved to Brooks. The following year they returned to Milwaukee and one year later moved to Oklee where they have since resided. Norma worked at the Security State Bank of Oklee from June of 1966 until she retired on February 6, 1998.
Norma was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was an active member of WELCA. She was the secretary of her bowling league for many years. She enjoyed her job, especially working with the customers. She also enjoyed reading, having coffee with her friends, spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and driving through the countryside with her husband Bill.
Norma is survived by her husband, William Champagne of Oklee; one son, Daniel (Marianne) Champagne of Pflugerville, TX; four daughters, Linda (Tim) Whalen of Oklee, Renee (Steve) Radniecki of Twin Valley, Debbie (Leo) Olson and Cindy (Ron) Stoneouse, both of Oklee; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, James (Beverly) Distad of South Milwaukee, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Ruby and Edna.