Norma Jean Valkema Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Norma Jean Valkema, age 88 of Freeport IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on July 22,2022. She was born on March 16, 1934, the daughter of Roy and Mary (Tracy) Gusloff. Norma married Donald Valkema on June 19, 1954 and together they were blessed with five children and 68 years of marriage. Norma was passionate about her family. She loved to play the piano and gave her children an appreciation for many styles of music. Her wisdom, wit and humor will be missed by her family and friends. She was the loving wife of Don Valkema and caring mother of Karen Valkema of Freeport, IL, Vicky (Mike) Hoffman of Lena, IL, David (Barb) Valkema, Doug (Sue) Valkema, and Wendy Skriver of Freeport, IL ; affectionate grandmother of David & Jacob (Alexandria) Vincent, Nicholas (Erica) & Andrew Hoffman, Nikki (Jed) Baehr & Luke (Marina) Stockton, Corey (Micki) & Casey Valkema, Kristopher (Emily) & Kyle (Tiffany) Valkema & Mallory and Olivia Verick (Braden Clausen), Jenna (Bill) Fossen & Kalee and Tannen Skriver; joyful great-grandmother of Michael and Nicholas Vincent, Sydney and Mitchel Hoffman, Rylee Jackson and Sawyer Stockton and Charli DeShazo & Barrett and Beckham Stockton & Emily Dolan and Elliott Valkema, Aiden & Theodore Valkema, Lilyana and Willow Fossen; and beloved sister of Jack (Myrna) Gusloff & the late Lorraine and Martin Midthun, sister-in-law to the late Quentin, Joanne & Ann Valkema & Carol (Stan) Smith; and beautiful aunt and great-aunt to many. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at St. John United Church of Christ with a service to celebrate her life at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Youth Programs or Freeport Concert Band. Arrangements are being made by Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home.

Norma Jean Valkema

March 16, 1934 - July 22, 2022