Norma Marie Merkling

Norma Marie Merkling was born August 14, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jens and Emilie Sorensen. She passed away peacefully at home in Nixa, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.

Norma lived in Bartlett, Illinois, for 51 years. She attended Augustana School of Nursing, where she became a registered surgical nurse. She cherished the friendships she made during her college years and remained in touch with many of her college friends throughout the years. While in college, Norma was a member of the Swedish Folk Dancers and Compulsory Chorus. She was very proud of her Danish heritage and loved sharing that part of her life with others.

Shortly after graduating from nursing school, Norma met David on a blind date. One year later, they were married on September 23, 1961, beginning a loving marriage that would span more than six decades. Eleven months later, they welcomed their first child. Norma worked at Augusta Hospital for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mother, a role she cherished most of all.

Norma was a Christian woman whose beautiful smile touched the lives of those around her. Family and friends always came first, and she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. When her children were grown, Norma returned to work part-time, remaining in the medical field, this time working as a secretary. She also had a special love for cats, who brought her much joy throughout her life.

Norma will be remembered for her warm smile, loving heart, devotion to her family, and the many lives she touched simply by being herself. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her family and the memories they hold dear.

Norma is survived by her husband, David; her children, Jeffrey (Linda) Merkling, Craig Merkling, and Lise (Leonard) Heflin; grandchildren, Bradley (Beth) Merkling, Emily Heflin, and Daniel Heflin; cousin, Bente Vinci; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends at Castlewood Senior Living.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jens and Emilie Sorensen, and her brother, James Sorensen.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri, with cremation rites accorded by Adams Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either Danish Home of Chicago https://danishhomeofchicago.org/the-danish-home-foundation/ways-to-give/ or Eden Animal Haven https://www.edenanimalhaven.org/donate in her honor.