Norma Jean Walchak (Frederick) of Kentwood, Michigan, age 77, passed away on Saturday April 22, 2023.  She was born to Curtis and Ruth Frederick on September 27, 1945 in Hackleburg, Alabama.

Norma was the youngest of 4 children and as a child moved with her family to Adrian, Michigan where she grew up and graduated from Madison High School.  She went on to study business at Stautzenberger College in Toledo, Ohio.

After a chance meeting at Wamplers Lake in Brooklyn, Michigan, Norma met her lifelong partner and husband Thomas Fredrick Walchak of Manchester, Michigan.  They wed on March 11, 1967 and remained married for 56 years.

Living in Manchester on the Walchak family farm, they welcomed two sons into the world, Eric Walchak now of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Scott Walchak now of Catonsville, Maryland.  Norma and Tom moved to Brighton, Michigan and enjoyed the many sports and neighborhood activities of raising two young boys there.  They then moved to Pinckney, Michigan where they enjoyed living on Portage Lake.

Norma's pride and joy were her sons, their families, and her 7 grandchildren with whom she spent as much time with as possible.  She was a voracious reader and could often be found at the local library, bookstore, or ladies club discussing her favorite new mystery novel.  She loved to travel and visit friends and family in places like Washington, D.C., Arizona, Hawaii, Washington, and even Kyoto, Japan.  She was a member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Kentwood, Michigan.

Norma is survived by her beloved husband Thomas and two sisters, Alice Caterino of Okemos, Michigan and Junell Aguillon of Grayling, Michigan.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Wilford Frederick of Tampa, Florida.

There will be a time of visitation from 3:00-5:00pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood, Michigan 49508.  A family service will follow at 5:00pm with Pastor Bri Desotell presiding.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to The Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital at The Mary Free Bed Foundation, 235 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.