Norma Jean Wasinger

Norma Jean Wasinger, 92, died Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.  She was born April 19, 1931 in Hays, Kansas to Edward and Norine (Rupp) Younger. On June 7, 1951 she married Sylvenus E. "Sy" Wasinger in Newton, Kansas and he died on December 11, 2019.  

Norma was a member of the St. Joan of Arc Parish in Anthony, Kansas and a previous member of St. Mary’s Church in Marienthal, Kansas.  Sy and Norma lived in Newton as a married couple for 6 years, then they moved to Marienthal in Western Kansas for 50 years.  In 2017, they moved to Anthony to be closer to their daughter. 

Norma was a kind, joyful, and devout woman who would do anything for anyone. Her faith was very important to her.  She had a great sense of humor and teased the people around her. 

She worked as a cook for the Wichita County school district for many years and then the nursing home in Leoti.  Her grandson always said she was a “good cooker!"  When she was younger, she would make and decorate cakes for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.  She was crafty, building a dollhouse for each granddaughter.  She was a collector: dolls, salt and pepper shakers, bells, tea sets.

She loved flowers and took a flower arranging class.  She grew, cut, and arranged them for church.  She worked in a floral shop for a few years in Scott City.  She provided flower arrangements for many weddings.

Norma was a talented person who could do anything she put her mind to, whether it was remodeling a house or designing a dress.  She loved to sew and made all of her daughter’s clothes.  She had a passion for quilting and created many.  Her jean quilts were prized.  Her daughter's favorite quilt was quilted from her scrubs after Phyllis retired.  Crocheting was another hobby.  She made tablecloths, doilies, blankets, hats, and prayer shawls.  Later in her life she added color into the world with window clings, coloring books, ceramic figurines, ornaments, etc.

She is survived by her daughter Phyllis (Gary) Misak; sisters: Mary Kellogg and Pat Altenhofen; brothers Jerry (Pat) and LeRoy(Anna Marie) Younger; grandchildren Kristi (Duane) Werth; Heath (Stephanie) Misak; Tawnia (Kenn) Soerensen and Jessi Misak; 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild

Norma is preceded in death by her parents; husband and a great grandson Declan Misak

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 3, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Newton with The Reverend Andrew Bergkamp Celebrant and The Reverend Bob Pinninti Con-Celebrant. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday prior to Mass. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to Mass time Thursday at St. Mary Church.

Memorials may be made to Anthony Community Care Center or St. Joan of Arc Parish and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home 215 North Main Newton, Kansas 67114