Norma L. Doedtman (89) of Effingham

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 5 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham with entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum in Effingham. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham and from 9:30 a.m. to time of service, Monday morning at the church. Memorial donations may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left by clicking here. 

Mrs. Doedtman was born September 15, 1929 in Toledo, the daughter of Edwin and Elsie (Behrns) Wilkens. After attending Valparaiso, she worked as a bookkeeper at Norge where she met her husband Ray. They were married on February 20, 1965 in Montrose. Norma also worked as a bookkeeper at C & L Auto Sales and later retired from the Effingham County Board Office.

All of her life, Norma loved music. While still in high school, she began playing the piano and organ at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wheeler. After becoming a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham, she continued as the organist and choir accompanist. In 2010, she was recognized for over 65 years of dedicated service to the Lord.

She and Ray were known to enjoy a good waltz and were frequently spotted on Saturday evenings dancing the night away. After his death in 2003, she took up line dancing and after several years of practicing, her group performed at the Illinois State Fair.

Surviving are her daughter, Lisa (husband, Jeff Hays) of Cincinnati Ohio; son, David (wife, Ann) of Effingham; grandchildren, Katherine and Hollis Hays, Drew, Jackson & Derek Doedtman.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Paul and Carl Wilkens.

Norma's family would like to thank the staff at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care for their loving care and support.