Norma Jean Buschelman

BELLEVUE — Norma Jean Buschelman, 86, Bellevue, died Oct. 23, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Graveside Services will be held May 29, 2 p.m., at the Crofton City Cemetery, Crofton. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Crofton.

Norma was born in Bloomfield Sept. 5, 1934, to Louis and Clara (Brummer) Kusel. The family operated a farm and Norma, being the oldest of five siblings, took the role of leader in getting the chores done to include milking the cows twice a day by hand. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Wayne State College, becoming a teacher in a one-room school near Bloomfield. Soon after, she met her future husband when Norma and her father picked him up alongside a gravel road after his car had broken down. They later married and he decided to serve his country and join the Air Force. During his 20 years of duty, they moved ten times within the U.S. and abroad, but her real home was always back to the family farm in Nebraska. Her primary role was mother, but she also volunteered at the Air Force Family Services and Thrift Shop programs. In 1973, she embarked on a bold step and went to school to become a dental assistant, a career that lasted more than 20 years. She actively supported and participated in activities at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church as a prayer chain and funeral dinner coordinator.

Following her retirement, she treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always said the cookie jar is full when they come to visit.

She is survived by daughters, Debra Buschelman and Dianne Buschelman; son, Richard Buschelman; three grandchildren, seven greatgrandchildren; and brother, Henry Kusel.

In addition to her parents, Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and three brothers, Bradley, Wylie and Larry.