Obituary

Norma Jean Holtan Wakeley
August 13, 1928 - May 24, 2018

Norma Jean Holtan Wakeley

Norma Jean Holtan Wakeley
Aug 13, 1928 - May 24, 2018

Norma Jean Holtan Wakeley
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Norma Jean Holtan was born on August 13, 1928 to Arthur and Mabel Holtan in Forest City, Iowa. She grew up helping on the family farm outside Joice. She graduated from Fertile High School in 1946, attended Waldorf Junior College and then transferred to Iowa State College where she received a BS in Home Economics in 1950. At Iowa State, she met Tendon (Don) Wakeley, one of the many returning WWII GI's who were then attending college. After graduation, she taught high school Home Economics for a year and a half in Buffalo Center, IA. Norma and Don were married February 3, 1952 following his military service in Korea and shortly thereafter moved to Texas.

Ann, Susan, David, and Billy were born while the family was in Texas. Alan joined the family a few years after their 1960 move to Bellevue. As her children grew up, Norma enjoyed sewing and cooking for the family. In 1974, she accepted a position as Nutritionist for the Head Start program at Bellevue Community College and worked there until retiring in 1991.

For most of the 53 years the family lived in Bellevue, Norma was active in the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the East Lake Washington Home Economists, and at St. Andrews Lutheran Church. She served as a Camp Fire leader for her girls and Den Mother for her Cub Scout boys. In recent years, she enjoyed being one of the Daughters of Norway and a part of the St. Andrews OWLs group.

Norma and Don moved to the Timber Ridge Retirement Community in Issaquah in 2013 where Norma enjoyed many activities, especially visiting with the other residents and playing bridge. She and Don celebrated their 66th anniversary there earlier this year. As her health failed, she moved to the Briarwood wing and was lovingly served by the staff members there, for whom her family is most grateful.

Norma is survived by her loving husband Don, her sister Betty Heyerdahl, daughters Ann (Steve) King and Sue (Dick) Bowers, sons David (Debora), Bill (Judy) and Alan (Dawn) Wakeley, grandchildren Forrest King, Dan Bowers, Michael and Robert Wakeley, Selina Petschek, Alissa and Ethan Wakeley, one great-grandchild, Izzabella King, and numerous nieces and nephews. A grandson, Philip King, preceded her in death.

A Memorial Service celebrating Norma's life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Bellevue. Gifts in her memory may be sent to Waldorf University, 106 South Sixth Street, Forest City, IA 50436 or St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98007.

 
 

Arlin & Naomi Holtan on Oct 8, 2018

We just received the notification of Norma's death when we returned to Arizona after being on the road all summer. Norma was such a good hostess (and Don a host) when we visited them after we moved to WA in 1966. We learned much about our heritage listening to Norma and Helen Holtan Shigley reminisce and tell stories about the Holtans. Our condolences to Don and the family.
Arlin & Naomi Holtan

Howard Rodean on Jun 10, 2018

Norma and Don were our friends and neighbors when my late wife, Lavonne, and I lived in Arlington, Texas. We attended the same church and were supportive of each other. For example, I remember leaving some of our children with them in the middle of one night when Lavonne and I were on the way to the hospital to have another baby. As my son, Bruce, below states, we asked Don and Norma to be his godparents. I lost my Lavonne last April 14, so I know what Don is going through. My best wishes and prayers for him and his family.

Bruce Rodean on Jun 9, 2018

Norma and Don were and are my godparents. It has been a very long time since I last saw them. They had come to Fort Collins on some driving vacation, and I met them at someone's house. We have always kept in touch with Christmas cards and letters. They were neighbors when we both lived in Arlington, Texas. My deepest condolences go to the entire family.

Jan Frost on Jun 8, 2018

Norma was like my second mom to me since I spent so much time at the Wakeley house when I was growing up. Sue and I met at the local swimming pool when we were five years old. My mom knew if she couldn't find me outside, to call Norma. To Don, Ann, Sue, David, Bill and Alan, my deepest sympathies during this sad time. She will be missed by so many. Love and hugs, Jan Neukirchen Frost

Shawn Hood on Jun 1, 2018

My Aunt Norma was a vivacious lady who always had wonderful stories to tell. Each year of my life, I looked forward to the annual Christmas letter that would have an up-to-date picture of my cousins and the latest news of their families. Living so far away, it was a vital link that kept us connected through the years and I always felt like I knew them well. Thank you Aunt Norma for doing that. It was important. It's funny how little things make your life better. I will miss those letters. To my Uncle Don and my cousins - Ann, Sue, David, Bill and Alan, my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Ann wrote the most beautiful note to me when my own mother passed, and I want all of you to know that my thoughts, my prayers, my well wishes, and my fond memories will be with you in the many days ahead. Much love to my Washington and Oregon Family members from North Louisiana. Your niece and cousin - Shawn Wakeley Hood

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Memorial Service

Jun
15
Friday
St. Andrews Lutheran Church
2650 148th Ave SE
Bellevue , Washington 98007
1:00 PM
Gifts in her memory may be sent to Waldorf University, 106 South Sixth Street, Forest City, IA 50436 or St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98007.


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