Norma Gottschalk

Norma Jean (King) Gottschalk, 89, of Plymouth passed away peacefully on  July 5th, 2024. She was born in Plymouth, MI on August 9, 1934. She was preceded in death by her parents Delbert King, Naomi King O’Grady, Edward O’Grady.

She was married to Donald Gottschalk in September 1955 until his passing in 2000. Predeceased by siblings Gerald King, Melvin King, Elaine Mallion, John O’Grady, Fr. Edward O’Grady, and Kay King.

Norma attended Hough School, Plymouth, MI and then was a proud Milford High School graduate. Norma has been a lifelong resident of Plymouth, other than her high school years spent in Milford, MI.

Norma had many roles during her lifetime. She worked at Capes Ice Cream Parlor in Milford during her high school years. Norma was a legal secretary in Ann Arbor, transcribed data at GM Proving grounds, and was a teacher’s aide at East Middle School. Her most important role was wife and mother to their five children and as co-owner of Donald Gottschalk Builder.

Norma enjoyed sewing her entire life. She liked volunteering for the Red Cross,St John Neumann Church and helping many neighbors in a caretaking role. If Norma was not busy taking care of her family she was taking care of others.

She is survived by her children: Debbie (Frank) Bence, Mike (Sue) Gottschalk, Janet (late Tom) Finfrock, Carol Gottschalk, Karen (Tim Wright) Gottschalk. Grandchildren: Tony (Krystle) Bence, Kristin (Donn) Prokopius, Jennifer Bence, Brandon (Jade) Gottschalk, Justin Gottschalk, Bryan(Michelle) Finfrock,Meagan (Paul) Martin, Ethan and Toby Wright. Great grandchildren: Caden, Nolen, Zac, Jackson, Landon, Austin, Skylar, Brianna, Tyler, Emma, Grace, Mary, Thomas.Survived by her sister Helen Oesterle and brother in law George Gottschalk and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation Friday, July 12th from 3:00pm-8:00pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home 280 South Main St, Plymouth . 

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 13th at St. Kenneth Catholic Church 14951 North Haggerty Rd,  Plymouth with visitation beginning at 9:30am until time of funeral mass at 10:00am. Burial  will take place at Lapham Cemetery in Salem Twp. 

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Braille and talking Book Library,  P.O. Box 11027, Lansing, MI 48901 and Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliot Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207.