Norma Jean Peplinski

Norma Jean Peplinski, 86, of Presque Isle, Mich., and Panama City Beach, Fla., passed away Jan. 1, 2012, in Panama City Beach.

Born in Iowa on Aug. 7, 1925, she lived her childhood years in Nevada, Mo. 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, Ind., 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, Calif., and a sales rep for Nestle Candy Co. in Orange County, Calif.

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, Fla. Nick and Norma enjoyed just over 12 wonderful years together, dividing their time between Panama City Beach and Presque Isle, Mich. Norma was a generous and loving soul who never knew a stranger. She was a feisty woman 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; and great-grandchildren, Ellen, Gracie, Jon and Joe of Wisconsin.

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home today, Jan. 6, from 3 until 8 p.m., where the Rev. Arthur Duchnowicz will conduct the parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church from 9 a.m. through time of mass at 10 a.m., with the Rev. 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.

Online condolences to www.beckfuneralhome.org