Norma was born on June 23, 1932. She was adopted as an infant by Walter and Lydia (Hitzke) Kallies and always felt the utmost gratitude to her birth family for placing her with adopted parents who loved her unconditionally. Norma was baptized on July 10, 1932, by Rev. Seidel. Her sponsors were Mrs. Amanda Hitzke, Walter Hitzke, and Frieda Brodhagen. She attended elementary school at St. James Lutheran in Chicago, Illinois where her father taught grades 3 and 4. She was also confirmed in her faith there on April 14, 1946, by Rev. Dahms. Her confirmation verse was “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
She grew up a few miles from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. This should help explain her lifelong support of the Chicago Cubs. In 1947, she moved to Bonduel during her sophomore year in high school when her father accepted a position to serve as principal of St. Paul Lutheran School. She graduated from Bonduel High School in 1950. After graduating from high school, she attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL. There she met 9 roommates that became lifelong friends.
On November 15, 1952, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Ronald Graf, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel.
After raising her children, she joined the School District of Bonduel in 1970 to teach piano lessons and monitor study halls. When an opening for a vocal music teacher became available Frank Weix encouraged her to return to college to pursue her degree in music. She graduated from UW Green Bay in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and rejoined the B.H.S. staff as a vocal music teacher.
While teaching at B.H.S., Mrs. Graf transformed the music department by creating a Swing Choir and encouraged boys to sing in the concert choirs. Norma thoroughly enjoyed her students during her 25-year vocal music teaching career. She always felt that the students enriched her life as much as she touched theirs. During those years, her husband Ron provided support and encouragement.
After her husband’s death in 1993, she always felt surrounded with love from her children and grandchildren. She actively supported and was interested in their pursuits and accomplishments. Much to the chagrin of her grandchildren, she was proud to be proclaimed “computer free”. Trying to keep up with the grandkids was a DREAM but staying in touch with them was a reality.
In retirement, Norma joined the Shawano Medical Center Auxiliary where she served as secretary for many years and worked in the hospital gift shop. She also volunteered at the Bonduel Community Archives and attended Bible study and sang in the adult choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Traveling, reading, crossword puzzles, and a good game of Bridge were longtime interests. She loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad and especially enjoyed numerous trips to Europe with family and friends.
For many years, she traveled to Chicago to attend her grade school class reunions and reunite with friends from her childhood days at St. James Lutheran School.
Throughout her life she enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Cubs, Packers, Badgers, and college basketball and football.
Norma is survived by daughter, Carol (Tim) Marsh of Green Bay; a son, Keith Graf of Bonduel; a daughter-in-law, Debra Graf of West Bend; 7 beloved grandchildren, Mike (Leah) Marsh, Matt Marsh, Ben (Tammy) Graf, Jon Graf, Andy (Annie) Graf, Gabrielle (Rob) Steinbrenner, and Brittany (Mark) Reinke; and 11 cherished great-grandchildren, Bridger, Taylor, Cody, Bennett, Laurence, Carver, Hudson, Collin, Hadley, Emery, and Coy. She is further survived by kindred spirits, cousin Arlene Schwandt and “sis” Carol (Manthei) Westphal; nieces; nephews; and cousins.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lydia Kallies; husband of 40 years, Ronald Graf; and son, Warren Graf.
Norma went to her eternal rest peacefully on October 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her caring heart, kind ways, and enduring smile are gifts of love that are ours to keep. The world has lost a kind and gentle soul.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be in the church cemetery following services.
A special thank you to the staff at The Cottages – Shawano, Good Sheperd – Seymour, and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion.
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