Norma Ruth Gilge (Wiedenmeyer) was born in Halliday, North Dakota on July 1st 1930 to Otto and Magdalena Wiedenmeyer and peacefully passed on October 28th 2015 in Vancouver, Washington. She grew up on a farm during the great depression and learned never to waste anything or take it for granted. Norma thanked God for all she had and was quick to give to someone in need.
After attending Dickerson State College, she taught school in Dunn Center. Norma met Jelmer Gilge at the Dickerson Dance Hall in Dickerson, ND and they were married on August 26th 1949. They decided to move west and make their home in Portland, Oregon in 1950.
After arriving in Oregon, Norma stayed home to raise their children Karen, Kenneth, Kevin and Kurt. She adored her grandchildren Heather, Jennifer, Chelsea, Kindell, Jeremiah, Britteny, Wesley, and the newest addition of her first great granddaughter Emerson, daughter of Chelsea and Skyler Cook. After raising the family, she worked as a seamstress at JDH, Edgefield Manor Retirement Home (now Edgefield McMenamins).
She was one of the founding members of Gloria Dei Lutheran that merged with Resurrection Lutheran Church where she spent many hours volunteering. Norma and Jelmer enjoyed camping and spent many weekends at Lake Merwin and various locations around the Northwest with the Sheet Metal Unions camping club. Some of her fondest memories where of her trips to the beach with her close friends to share stories and strengthen friendships.
She is survived by sons Kevin and his wife Chris, Kurt and his wife Jennifer, granddaughters Heather, Jennifer, Chelsea, Kindell, and Britteny; grandsons Jeremiah, and Wesley; great granddaughter Emerson. She is also survived by Sisters Delora Berberick and Luverne Dschaak, and brother Delwin Wiedenmeyer. She will join her husband of 43 years Jelmer Gilge; daughter Karen Gilge; and son Kenneth Gilge; Sisters Hildegard Fenske and Elna Mai; brothers Eric Wiedenmeyer and Wilbert Wiedenmeyer.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Friday November 6th at Resurrection Lutheran Church. Remembrances can be sent to Resurrection Lutheran Church, C/O Norma Gilge Memorial Fund, 1700 NE 132nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230 or to the bridal ministry «Adorned in Grace» @ https://compassionconnect.webconnex.com/AIGdonate