Norraine O. Handke, 93
Published 10:11 am Monday, December 7, 2015
Norraine O. Handke, 93, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday morning at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.
Norraine was born on June 12, 1922, to Oscar and Elma (Norby) Thorson in rural Grand Meadow, Minnesota. She graduated from Grand Meadow High School and later became a home health aide for Mower County Public Health. She served her country by joining the U.S. Navy in 1943 and she was honorably discharged in 1945. Norraine married Fred Handke and to this union four sons were born: Steve, Emil, Peter and Phillip. Fred passed in 1984. She attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she was a charter member and belonged to a circle. Her main hobby was bowling where she became a member of the Hall of Fame and 600 Club. Norraine was the first commander of Spam Post. She will be remembered for being easy going, caring, compassionate, and that raising four boys was a great joy.
Survivors include her four sons: Steve Handke of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Emil Handke of Austin, Minnesota, Peter Handke of Austin, Minnesota, and Phillip (Jeanne) Handke of Winona, Minnesota; nine grandchildren: Scott, Jason, Ian, Kyle, Sarah, Kristina, Jenae, Kendra and Leah; four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one brother.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Military honors will be performed by American Legion Post No. 91. Memorials preferred to Spam Post 570. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.