Norma T. (Otwaska) Ackley-Klopfer

Norma Ackley-Klopfer, (nee: Otwaska) age 88, passed away Friday, March 5, 2010, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Norma was born in Caledonia on February 6, 1922, daughter of the late Peter J. and Anna M. (Nee: Kaplan) Otwaska.

On January 2, 1942, at Fort Dix, NJ, Norma was united in marriage to C.S. Ackley who preceded her in death September 4, 1984. To this union, her beloved children, Norma “Billie” and Michael were born. She later married Harold Klopfer who preceded her in death December 4, 1995.

In her younger years, Norma was employed with Hamilton Beach, Mamco Corp. and M&H Foods. She was a member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, the Catholic Women’s Club, the VFW Auxiliary and the Racine Moose Auxiliary. Norma enjoyed collecting coins through the years, but it was her collection of fond memories with her family that gave her the greatest joy. She was a loving, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Norma “Billie” Macal of Muskego, Michael (Kim) Ackley of Racine; grandchildren, David J. (Mary Leslie) Macal of Juneau, AK, Claire T. Ackley, Thomas S. (Jessica) Ackley, all of Racine; step-daughters, Jan (Don) Edwards, Joyce (William) Andersen; step-grandchildren, Jennifer Doonan, Maureen Gallagher; her sister, Viola Braznel; sister-in-law, Adeline Otwaska; brother-in-law, August “Buster” Kupper; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends and special friend, Daisy. In addition to her parents and husbands, Norma was also preceded in death by her children, Sharon Rose and Randy Gerard; brothers, Leonard, Peter and Anthony Otwaska; and her sister, Virginia Kupper.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Kinzie Avenue. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Monday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Red Cross have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to the staffs at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints 3Med and the ICU for all of their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888