Norma Juanita Payne

Norma Nana Jaunita Payne, surrounded by her loving husband and family, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, January 30, 2011. Norma was born to August and Helen Helke on January 15, 1932, in Poughkeepsie, NY, the youngest of eight siblings. She was later adopted by her aunt, Sarah Swanson , and grew up in Manhattan, NY. She met the love of her life, Walter A. Payne, when his ship came in, literally. They met at a roller rink while on leave from the Navy. After a test of fate and a war tour, the couple married in New York, New York, at Immanuel Lutheran Church on August 15, 1948. Shortly after their wedding, the couple moved to Oshkosh to begin their new life together. Norma and Walter epitomized the meaning of true love. They were each others best friend for 62 fulfilling years. Normas spitfire personality and Walters tender charm melted into a love that has given our family endless memories of happiness.Always the social butterfly, Norma spent her time immersed in her family and friends, especially Delores Knecht and Pauline Kleveno and friend Deloris Grunwald. She volunteered her time at the local food pantry and was always willing to help anyone in need. She enjoyed bowling, soap operas, movies, Elvis, the Green Bay Packers, and going bumming. We are so grateful for Nanas good nature; she was a kind friend to all, passed no judgment on others, and loved unconditionally.Norma defined her life by her family. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren gave her more joy than most people will ever know. Bringing a smile to our faces was Nanas greatest gift. Her blue eyes sparkled as she delighted in joking around and taking life for what it was. Nana didnt need material things. To her, the best things in life were free. Survivors include her husband, Walter, three children, Evelyn (Dave) Christensen, Janet (Daniel) Schneider, and Dennis Payne, five grandchildren, Tyson, Tori, and Tara Schneider, Lori (Aaron) Bruss, and David Christensen, and three great grandchildren, Jaiden Schneider, and Hannah and Megan Bruss , all of Oshkosh. She will live on forever in our hearts.Norma is preceded in death by her mother, father, Aunt Sarah, brothers Donald and Francis, sisters Doris, Geraldine, Edna, Eveyln, and Alberta, her favorite niece and nephew, Helen Lucey and Chuck Bott, and special friends Faye Oestreich and Sally Pitts. Funeral services will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home Westside on Friday, February 4, 2011, at 6:00 pm, with Reverend Nancy Krueger officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 3:00 pm to the time of service. She will be laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Normas name. We would like to extend a special thanks to the compassionate CICU staff at St. Lukes Medical Center for their attentive care during Nanas visit. Nana, no day will pass when you are not in our thoughts. You touched the lives of so many. Hearts are fuller and the world is richer because of you. You were a best friend to so many. Your spirit lives in us all! We love you!!

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Friday, February 04, 2011
3:00 to 6:00 PM



Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Friday, February 04, 2011
6:00 PM



Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901