Norma Frieda Fries (nee: Kurowske)

Fries, Norma F. (nee. Kurowske), age 96, of Wind Lake, passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 16, 2017 at Seasons Hospice in Waukesha. Norma was born in Milwaukee on June 20, 1921, daughter of the late Otto and Anna Kurowske. She spent the first 20 years of her life in West Allis. She was a graduate of Milwaukee Lutheran High School, class of 1939. Later in life she attended Alverno College where she studied the pipe organ. In 1941 she married Del Jacobs who preceded her in death on December 15, 1954. She married Gilbert “Bud” Fries in 1955 and he preceded her in death on November 21, 2006 after 51 years of marriage. For several years, Norma was a secretary for Sterling Motors in Milwaukee. In 1962 she and her family joined Norway Lutheran Church where Norma was the secretary, organist, choir accompanist and treasurer, simultaneously for over 24 years. She also filled in as organist in churches in Franklin, North Cape, and Rochester. In years past, she loved to sew in her spare time. She made several beautiful quilts. She will always be remembered for her classy styles and smiles. Norma lived with Bud on Waubeesee Lake, Town of Norway, for many years, and loved the beautiful sunsets. She and Bud spent many winter vacations in Florida and Hawaii. She traveled extensively with her daughter, Jean, even a cruise in France. Most of all, Norma enjoyed being at home on the lake and with her family. She spent the past 4 months living at her daughter Nancy’s home, as her health declined, where she received loving care.
Norma is survived by two daughters: Jean (Philip) Jacobson, Nancy (David) Laughran; beloved grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian) Diener, Michael (Jamie) Laughran and Shannon Laughran; one precious great-granddaughter Taylor Diener and one more on the way, due in February. Other relatives and friends further survive her.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Del Jacobs, second husband Bud Fries, son John Jacobs, and sister Marion Mueller.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, November 25, 2017, from 9-10:45 AM at Norway Ev. Lutheran Church, 6321 Heg Park Road, Wind Lake, Wisconsin 53185. Services with Pastors Kristie and Mark Jaramillo officiating will begin at 11:00 AM. Inurnment in Norway Hill Cemetery will follow the service. In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy family suggest memorials to either Norway Lutheran Church Building Fund or Seasons Hospice Foundation.
Family expresses a heartfelt “Thank You” to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Seasons Hospice of Waukesha for their attention to detail and care of our Mother and Grandmother Norma, along with our family during this difficult time.
Mealy Funeral Home
Waterford, Wisconsin
262-534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com