Ila R. Normand

Ila Rose Normand, 89, of Marathon, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on Saturday, October 26, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Ila, the daughter of the late Mathias and Helen Vetter, was born on June 6, 1935.  She was one of five siblings with two sisters, Lou Anne and Alice and two brothers, Bruce and Richard.

On September 12, 1955, she married her beloved husband, Norbert Normand, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon.  Together, they had eight children: Norbert, David “Shaggy,” Steven, Beth, Matthew, Renee, Jon, and Sheri.

While raising her children, she was also employed at Green’s Variety Store, Wausau Insurance, and Marathon Cheese – where she worked for a total of 33 years.  She also managed to find time to be a den mother for the cub scouts, even inviting all of the scouts to her house for meetings.  She also loved to garden, and her home was always stocked with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and rutabaga.  She truly could do it all!

Ila loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly.  Every time they stopped by, she was so excited!  With the biggest smile on her face, she would hand out treats – like Fudgsicles, ice cream cups, and popsicles (and depending on the time of year – popcorn balls!).  And we can’t forget all of the pop in the garage fridge!  (Her grandchildren always thought that was the best!)  Then, there were the holidays.  She made them so, so special – from her beautiful Christmas tree to the yearly Easter egg hunts at her house – to all of the giant feasts in between!  Having her family together was her greatest joy!

Ila was such a sweet lady, with the kindest heart.  In fact, since her death, we’ve been reminded by so many people that she was truly a mom to everyone – whether they were part of the family or not.  And on the phone, no matter who it was, she always ended the conversation with “I love you.” That is the amazing legacy she leaves behind.

With so much love to give – she adored God the most.  As much as we will all miss her, we know she’s in God’s loving arms.  And of course, reunited with the very family members who’ve gone before her – like her husband and son.  We know they’re all together again now.  And in many ways, that gives us peace.

Survivors include her children, Norbert (Donna Mae) Normand Jr. of Wausau, David Normand of Marathon, Beth Writz of Marathon, Matt (Mary) Normand of Marathon, Renee (Allen) Thomsen of Marathon, Jon (Tammy) Normand of Edgar, , and Sheri Howard (John Norton) of Edgar; daughter-in-law, Christine Normand of Marathon; grandchildren, Bradley, Diana, Scott, Ashley, David, Angela, Katelyn, Cassandra, Brittany, Nicholas, Mathew, Nathan, Timothy, Kessa, Jesse, Emma, Tommy, Aimee, and Grant; great-grandchildren, David, Layla, Zane, Olivia, Steven, Theodore, and Quinn; sister, Alice Wagner of Wausau; sisters-in-law, Anne Marie Kleinschmidt of Newark, Delaware and Delaine Vetter of Stratford; close family friend, Corey Rusch; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Normand Sr.; son, Steven Normand; parents, Mathias and Helen; and siblings, Lou Anne Seliger, Richard Vetter, and Bruce Vetter.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presiding.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service all at the church.  Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.