Norma A. (Woodman) Wojack, 87, of Coldwater left this earth February 28, 2025 to join her beloved husband, Bob.
The funeral service and ceremony of the Order of the Eastern Star conducted by Past Grand Matrons and Patrons of Michigan will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
The family will receive guests for visitation that morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Interment will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Ft. Custer National Cemetery where she will be united with her husband, Bob who served in the United States Navy during World War II.
Norma was born March 29, 1937, to Foster G. and Evelyn G. (Nienhuis) Woodman in Carson City, MI. Shortly after her birth they moved to Allegan and then to Gaylord where Norma grew up and graduated from Gaylord High School. She attended Albion College receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. While attending Albion she was a member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity.
After graduation, Norma began work at the Coldwater Regional Center (previously Coldwater State Home and Training School) as a social worker and later Recipient Rights Officer, retiring in 1989.
Following her retirement, she was employed by Community Normalization Homes in Jackson, MI and later contracted with Pines Behavioral Health Services for twenty years as their Recipient Rights Officer.
Norma first married Bernard T. Fahlen September 9, 1961. Together they had a daughter, Susan Lynn Fahlen. Norma married Robert S. Wojack December 23, 1983, in Coldwater, MI. He preceded her in death, July 18, 2003, following 20 years of marriage.
Norma had many accomplishments throughout her lifetime. Norma was a life member of Coldwater Chapter #1 Order of Eastern Star, having served as Worthy Matron in 1971 and 1989. She was a Past President of Branch County Association Order of Eastern Star and a life member of the Grand Chapter of Michigan Order of Eastern Star. Her fraternal life was important to her as she served the Grand Chapter of Michigan as a committee member on the Estral Committee in 1977 and Chairman of Publicity in 2007.
Her greatest thrill was her appointment as Grand Organist for the Hankins-Schroeder Grand Family during 2008-2009. Her Eastern Star career continued when she was elected and served as Worthy Grand Matron (State President of Michigan) in 2013-14. She, along with Frederick R. Miller, Worthy Grand Patron celebrated their year with “Our World of Knowledge Session” at their state convention. Her Eastern Star life did not stop here as she received an appointment to the General Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star Estral Committee from 2021-2023.
Additionally, Norma served on the Coldwater Masonic Endowment Board of Directors for several years and was a member at the time of her death holding the office of Vice President. She also served on the Advisory Board of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls of Assembly #29, Kalamazoo. Norma was elected to serve on the Pathways Masonic Home Board from 2009-15, serving as Board Secretary in 2014-15.
Norma is a Past President of Altrusa International of Branch County, serving as President in 1989-1990 as well as having chaired many of that organization’s committees. She served District Five Altrusa International as a Board Director for five years and also chaired the Marketing/Public Relations committee and Michigan Membership Committee for the District. In 2016, she was awarded the District Five Miriam V. Wolf award for outstandingly portraying the principals of Altrusa in her community and club.
One of Norma’s outstanding accomplishments was Department (State) President of the American Legion Auxiliary in 2005-2006. Her theme that year was “Celebrate with Music” which Michigan did throughout her term of office. Following her year as President, Norma was elected National Executive Committeewoman from Michigan for 2006-2007 where she acted as liaison between Michigan and the national organization.
She also was appointed National Central Division Americanism Chairman for 2006- 2007; National Constitution & Bylaws Committee member 2006-2008, and National Security Committee member 2008-2009. She continued to serve the Department of Michigan on both the Finance Committee and Advisory Board for many years. Norma is a Past President of Coldwater Unit 52 American Legion Auxiliary in 1986 and a Past President of the Third District Association serving as president in 1996.
Over the years, Norma was an active golfer and avid reader with a book always in hand. She also collected teddy bears and was talented at knitting as countless sweaters, quilts, and much more each stitched with love were made for her friends and family. Norma enjoyed playing the piano and organ, but her biggest joy in life was sharing time with her grandchildren.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents Foster G. and Evelyn G. (Nienhuis) Woodman, her first husband Bernard T. Fahlen, and her late husband Robert S. Wojack. She is survived by her daughter Susan (Joseph Hughes) (Fahlen) Dirschell of Coldwater, stepdaughter Sheila (Wojack) Dan Taylor of Coldwater, stepson Jay Wojack. Her grandchildren, Shannon Dirschell, Gavin Dirschell, Jacob and Eliza Taylor, Allan and Lance Wojack.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Norma’s memory may consider Michigan State University’s Girls State, The Order of the Eastern Star, or Altrusa International of Branch County.
The family would like to thank the staff at Dutcher Funeral Home for the care they gave to Norma while she was in their care.
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