CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Norma Ann Karier, 92, of Urbana, passed away in the early hours of August 24, 2024 after a long, happy, and fulfilling life.
Norma was born on July 26, 1932 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin during the depths of the Great Depression. She was quick to share happy stories about her father, William Jauch, who worked for the railroad and her mother Mary, who could pickle, can, and jar just about anything. Norma grew up in Stevens Point with her brother Gus and sister, Margaret, went to Catholic school, graduated from high school and began college at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. She worked at a bank and a café where she met and fell in love with Clarence Joseph Karier, a student at the same college.
Norma and Clarence were married in December 27, 1951 before Clarence shipped off to serve in the Korean War. After his return, Clarence began his career as a college professor while Norma raised four children and ran the household. In the early days, they lived in Stevens Point, Marinette, and Madison, Wisconsin and later in Rochester, New York and finally Urbana, Illinois in 1969. Norma and Clarence were partners in all aspects of life and loved family events with their four children, Fred, Kathy, Tom, and Nancy — walking the dog, hosting grand parties for friends and colleagues, and preparing delicious, organic meals from their amazing garden.
After Clarence passed away in 2013, Norma embraced the Clark Lindsay community, making friends wherever and whenever the opportunity arose. She joined committees and a reading group, practiced Tai Chi, attended Friday night movies, and organized the weekly 500 card games. She hardly seemed to age as she continued to play cards and Mahjong, worked the New York Times crossword puzzles (later Wordle) online, tracked her family on Facebook, joined in on Zoom calls, and hit the gym every day after dinner for 20 minutes workouts on the NuStep.
Norma was loving and caring and never missed a family birthday, even when she was in the hospital. She will be remembered and cherished by her children: Fred Karier (Jane), Kathy Rosner (Mike), Tom Karier (Ester) and Nancy Karier (Brad), her 11 grandchildren as well as her 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
A special thank you to the team at Clark Lindsay Village who helped Mom in her golden years.
Condolences may be offered at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory.