Norma J. Takala

Norma Takala, 91, died peacefully on October 14th, 2022, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility. Norma was born on August 1, 1931, in Iron Mountain, MI, to parents Mildred (Udd) and Peter Zambon. She attended school in Crystal Falls and Iron Mountain, graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 1950. She worked at Michigan Bell after graduation and then moved to Crystal Falls to care for her aging grandparents. There she met Vanner Takala, and they married in 1957. After his passing in 1979, she remained in the area, ultimately retiring from McNeil Mobile Mart. She was active in several organizations over the years, including the VFW Post #281 Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain and the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. Norma was a social member of the Crystal Falls Women’s Golf League and enjoyed many years of bowling with a wonderful group of friends. She was an avid card player, belonging to four different weekly card clubs. Anyone who knew her well, knew she was always up for card games and laughs with her girlfriends. She cherished her cottage on Fortune Lake and remembered fondly all the good times she had there with family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Vanner; daughter, Lynn Marie; and her parents and stepmother, Lena Zambon. Norma is survived by her daughter, Karen (Mark) Hegstrom; son, Don (Jody) Takala; grandchildren, Jen (Jordan) Ketola, Lindsey (Kurt) Anderson, Nicki (Andy) Hinds, Kevin (Bowie) Takala, and Anna (Chris) Jackson; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Norita Takala; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and her beloved companion, Boots. Norma leaves behind several close travel companions, card players, and lifelong friends. Norma felt blessed to live a long, full, happy and healthy life. Please celebrate her life with us on Friday, October 21, 2022, at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls, MI from 9:00 AM until time of her funeral at 10:00 AM. Pastor DJ Rasner will officiate. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Norma’s name to the Northwoods Animal Shelter or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences to the family of Norma Takala may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.

Norma J. Takala

August 1, 1931 - October 14, 2022