Norma T. Gillitzer
Norma Theresa (Check) Gillitzer, 84, of Prairie du Chien, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022, surrounded by her family at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien.
She was born Nov. 14, 1937, the daughter of Thomas and Orpha (Mindham) Check. She attended Seven Mile School and graduated from Prairie du Chien High School. Norma married John Gillitzer on April 30, 1956. Together, they farmed and raised their family in the Prairie du Chien area. She was a member of the Rural Bridgeport Fire Department Auxiliary, as well as the Irish Ridge Homemakers since 1961. She was also part of the first responders for over 30 years. She taught CCD classes in Prairie du Chien, was active in the church choir, and served as unit chairperson for the Ladies Sodality. She enjoyed gardening, baseball, cards and sewing.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John; their children, Russell (Sheila), Phyllis (Dave) Wesener, Joseph (Terese), Robert, Donna Gillitzer, Mary (Kenneth) Stoeffler, Janet (Brian) Nelson, Diane (Jon) Koenig, and Elaine Jensen; her sisters, Catherine Forst and Marilyn (Art) Pitzer, brother-in-law Roger (Janice) Gillitzer; 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Harold and Thomas (Loretta) Check; sisters, Irene (Clarence) Rau, Mildred (Walt) Lessard; and a son-in-law David Jensen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, Msgr. Charles Stoetzel officiating with burial in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call the Garrity Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. where there will be a wake scripture at 7 p.m., and also at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of departure for church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Bridgeport Fire Department and the Auxiliary or Crossing Rivers Health Hospice.
