Norma Jeanne Koechel, age 90 of Wautoma passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Heartland House, Wautoma. She was born on September 11, 1935 in Rockford, IL to Walter and Helen (West) Speilman. She graduated from Wautoma High School. On November 14, 1953, she married Arley Koechel in Wautoma. Norma worked as a secretary at Wautoma High School until her retirement. She enjoyed watching the Badgers, Cubs, Brewers, and Arizona Wildcats.
She enjoyed watching her grandkids play sports, she was their biggest fan.
Norma is survived by her children: Timothy (Shelley) Koechel, Gregory (Cindy) Koechel, Shelley (Bob) Reetz, Natalie (Paul) Girdauskas, Angela (Mike) Konieczki, grandchildren: Andrew (Jaimi) Koechel, Ryan (Emily) Koechel, Emily, Mitchell (Taylor), & Kyle (Eve Frank) Girdauskas, Karley Reetz (fiance Holden Smith), Jordan & Leah Konieczki, Mackenzie (Mark) Swenson, Kourtney Wilson, Brooke Finger, Shawna Hughes; great grandchildren: Dylan, Abby, Max, Beau, Quinn; siblings: Linda Fritz, Bonnie Wallschlaeger, Chuck Speilman, Donna (Richard) Kalata, Karen Thompson, Paula Speilman and John (LuAnn) Speilman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, and her dog Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Helen Speilman; husband: Arley Koechel; siblings: Audrey Trowbridge, Shirley Speilman, and Bruce Speilman.
Private family services were held at Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma on Friday, February 13, 2026. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com
Memorial contributions may be directed to Waushara County Animal Shelter in Norma’s honor.
