Norma Agnes Balmert's Obituary
Norma Agnes Balmert, age 91, of Lorain passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at her home. She was born on August 17, 1931 in Lorain, Ohio to Louis and Agnes (nee Hobeck) Manichl.
She was a 1949 graduate of Lorain High School. After graduating from high school, Norma was employed at the Rudy Moc Studio on Broadway in Lorain and later worked as a secretary at Fruehauf Trailor Company in Avon Lake. When her sons were born, she chose to be a stay-at-home mom and homemaker.
Norma enjoyed reading and listening to music, particularly music from her era, visiting casinos, occasionally in Las Vegas and more frequently locally. She liked playing video poker and stayed sharp by practicing on her PC.
She and her husband, Robert raced Interlake sailboats for years until her 2 sons were old enough to replace her as crew. After her husband’s racing career was complete, she and Robert acted as the race committee for the Lorain Sailing Club every Wednesday night and Sunday morning during the summer months, for many years.
The couple also traveled extensively, camping early on during regatta weekends around the inland lakes of Ohio and along Lake Erie Shore. In later years, they would cruise regularly to exotic locations. One summer they flew to Germany and rented a car to explore Norma’s family heritage in Bavaria. They had a very full life together and loved each other very much.
Norma is survived by her sons, Randal (Mary Jo) Balmert of Mentor, and Brad (Kathy) Balmert of Lorain; grandchildren, Daniel (Meghan), of Lorain, and Mallory, of Copley; and great granddaughter, Eleanor, of Lorain.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Balmert; parents, Louis and Agnes Manichl; brother, Arthur; and sisters, Vera and Rita.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio. Rev. Father Craig Hovanec, Pastor, will officiate. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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