Norma Peplinski

Norma Jean Peplinski age 86 of Presque Isle, Michigan
and Panama City Beach, Florida
passed away January 1, 2012 in Panama City Beach

Born in Iowa on August 7, 1925, she lived her childhood
years in Nevada, Missouri.

During her adult life, Norma lived in various places around the world, one of her
favorites being Japan. In 1942 at the age of 17, Norma went to Evansville, Indiana
and became a welder or “burner” in the shipyards. Her petite stature allowed her to
work in the smallest parts of the ships to weld the inside seams. She was later a
property manager for Robinson Properties in Anaheim, California and a sales rep for
Nestle Candy Company in Orange County, California. Norma was a charter member
of Gold Star Wives, an organization dedicated to supporting widows and orphans of
military personnel lost in active combat.

She was preceded in death by:
her first husband, Val Crofts, Sr. who was a pilot in World War II and was killed
while serving in England.

She is also preceded by:
her beloved son, Tom Nesbitt; and
brother Mike Bone.

Norma met and married the love of her life, Nick Peplinski later in life on a beach in
Panama City Beach, Florida, Nick and Norma enjoyed just over twelve wonderful
years together, spending their time between Panama City Beach and
Presque Isle, Michigan. Norma was a generous and loving soul who never knew a
stranger. She was a feisty women with a zest for life that never aged. She will be
missed by scores of friends around the world who love her dearly.

Norma is survived by:
her husband, Nick;
son, Val (Joy) Crofts of California;
grandsons, Val (Cathy) Thomas Crofts of Wisconsin and Joey Crofts of New Mexico;
stepdaughter, Kim Richardson of Saginaw;
stepsons, James and Nicolas of Michigan;
great grandchildren, Ellen, Gracie, Jon, and Joe of Wisconsin.

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home on Friday from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m.
where Fr. Arthur Duchnowicz will conduct the parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Visitation will resume on Saturday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m.
through time of mass at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Charles Donajkowski officiating.

Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Norma Peplinski to
St. Ignatius Catholic School, 545 South Third Street, Rogers City, MI 49779