Norma Socha
Norma Elizabeth Socha, age 101, a longtime resident of Edgar, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar. Rev. Alan Wierzba was the celebrant with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier concelebrating. Norma was laid to rest in the parish cemetery following the service. Visitation was held on Monday, Feb. 26, at the church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a parish rosary service. Visitation was held again on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belonged to Peyton Dahlke, Preston Dahlke, Carter Dahlke, Brooks Walters, Tyler Walters, Keegan Kruzan, Kyler Kruzan and Alex Boehlen. Honorary pallbearers were Craig Walters, Jeff Walters, Paul Dahlke, Kraig Kruzan and Eric Cabanski.
Norma was born on November 28, 1922, in Marathon, daughter of Peter and Magdeline (Schlagenhaft) Bingen. Norma attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and graduated from Marathon High School. On May 29, 1946, Norma was united in marriage with Leo Socha, Jr. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon.
In 1961, Norma and her husband Leo operated “Socha’s Bar” just outside of Edgar on Hwy. 29. In 1977, the couple managed and operated a supper club called the Chateau Regina and ran that business successfully until their retirement in 1987.
Norma was a devout Catholic who gave countless hours back to the church and her community through altar laundry, attending church daily, volunteering for Lenten fish fries, Colorvision, and selling poppies for Memorial Day. In Norma’s words, “God has given me a healthy life so I still have a chance to give back to him even at my age. God willing, I will do these things until the day he calls me home. I love my Lord and my church.”
In her spare time, her hobbies included crocheting afghans and hangers, which many people enjoyed over the years. She also enjoyed playing cards, baking and candy-making to share with others, putting puzzles together, and pouring delicious Manhattans and Old Fashioneds while sharing great times with family and friends. Norma loved attending her greatgrandchildren’s activities and sporting events. She was their biggest cheerleader and never wanted to miss the fun! Organizations that Norma also gave her time to included: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar, St. John’s PCCW, St. Mary Goretti Group, the former Edgar American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and the current Marathon American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include two daughters: Carol (Jack) Van of Eloy, Ariz., and Kathy (Steve) Treu of Sparta; five grandchildren: Craig (Lynn) Walters of Pickerel, Jeff (Shelly) Walters of Neenah, Paul (Robin Langhoff) Dahlke of Edgar, Kelly (Eric Cabanski) Dahlke of Weston and Kristin (Kraig) Kruzan of Wausau; thirteen great-grandchildren: Tyler Walters, Alexa Olson and Brooks Walters, Alex Boehlen and Carly Walters, Peyton and Preston Dahlke, Carter Dahlke-Haroldson, Carlee Dahlke, and Carsyn Cabanski, Keegan, Kyler and Kensi Kruzan; two great-great-grandchildren: Colden and Asa Olson; step-grandchildren: Jim (Crystal) Treu and Monica (Pat) Olbert of Sparta and their children Thomas and Hannah Treu, and Celia and Roman Olbert and son-in-law, David Stankowski of Stevens Point. Norma is further survived by countless nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors and her Saint John’s church family.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her daughter, Tamara Stankowski, two brothers: Leander Bingen and Rev. Norbert Bingen and two sisters: Helen Thull and Margaret Shidell.
A special thank you to Kraig and Kristin Kruzan for graciously bringing hospice care into their home in Norma’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be donated to St. John’s Catholic Church in memory of Norma.
Norma’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com.
Paid obituary 148952
