Jeanne Kay Norstrom

Jeanne Kay Norstrom, age 70, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2018, surrounded by family at The Cedars, McPherson.

She was born on December 12, 1947, in Concordia, Kansas, the daughter of Rex D. and Iris G. (Frost) Grauerholz.

Jeanne attended grade school in Colby, Kansas before her family moved to McPherson in 1955. She attended Lincoln School, McPherson Junior High School, and graduated from McPherson High School in 1965.

In 1965, Jeanne was the Kansas Girls Handicap Bowling Champion and went on to Nationals where she placed 18th. She served as a Candy Striper for four years.

On February 22, 1969, she was united in marriage to Marvin LeRoy Norstrom at the First United Methodist Church in McPherson, Kansas. They were blessed with two children, Starla Joy and Christopher DeMonte.

Jeanne was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Jeanne retired in 2007 after 26 years as an USD 418 elementary school secretary at Lincoln Elementary School and Eisenhower Elementary School. In retirement, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as traveling.

Her desire to give back to the community led Jeanne to volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. As a member of the McPherson Hospital Volunteers, she served in a number of positions including the board, Advertising Chairperson, Staff Appreciation Chairperson, worked in the Surgical Waiting Area, and the McPherson Hospital Gift Shop, plus embroidering tea towels for the gift shop and the Fundraising Committee, plus special events. She was awarded the 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award for her years of service at the hospital.

Jeanne’s life, as she knew it, changed forever when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer in May 2015. The outpouring of love, support, and prayers from family, friends, and prayer “warriors” would see her through many ups and downs throughout the rest of her life. The family’s gratitude and appreciation cannot be expressed.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend. Her constant compassion and selflessness will be missed for all eternity.

She is survived by: husband, LeRoy of the home; daughter, Starla Wicker and husband, Brian, of Glendale, AZ; son, Chris Norstrom of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren, Sydney and Mason Wicker and Crystian Norstrom; sister, Sherry Ray of Indiana; brother-in-law, Kenneth Norstrom of McPherson, KS; and nieces; and several great and great-great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; sister-in-law, Fern Norstrom; and brother-in-law, Bob Ray.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, June 1, 2018, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held at the McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to McPherson Hospital Volunteer Services or Women and Children Combating Cancer (WACCC) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jeanne Kay Norstrom please visit our Sympathy Store.