Norma E. Strecker

Norma E. Strecker of West Seattle passed away on November 14, 2014.  Norma was 93, born on November 8, 1921, in Dayton, Ohio to Leo and Fay Geisler.  She weas the oldest of eight children.  She grew up in Detroit, Michigan with her family.  After graduating high school in 1940, she worked for Holly carburetor and then a year later she worked for General Motors.  She spent her evenings taking night classed in blue print reading and drafting.

In 1942, at twenty-one years of age, Norma joined the Women's Army Corps (WAC).  In 1944 she was sent to Europe (London, England) where her draftsman's talent was put to use at the Theater of Operations (ETO) headquarters.  She followed the troops to Normandy and Paris...earning a bronze star for her service in WWII.  She loved Paris and her experience in the military...

Norma returned to Detroit at the end of the conflict where she reunited with Dale, who she had met in basic training...and they were wed.  She and Dale went to Sandpoint, Idaho (where Dale had grown up) to begin their life together.  After raising three children, Norma became the Bonner County Assessor, serving twelve years in that position.

Norma moved to Seattle, Washington, where one of her brother's Marvin lived. She worked for Transamerica Title company for several years.  She quickly became involved in the VFW and American Legion organizations.  She served as commander of one of the few all women American Legion Posts.  Sewing became a hobby, making quilted lap blankets and slippers for the Veteran's Hospital.  Norma enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her friends and family.  She was honored for her service by being selected as Grand Marshal of a Veteran's Day parade in Seattle.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Dale Strecker, sister Marian, brothers Stan, Donny and Roy.  She is survived by her brothers Jerry, Ray and Marvin, three children, Steve Strecker, Richland, Wa., Stan Strecker, Boise, Idaho, and Barbara Strecker, Seattle,Wa., seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.