Norma Jean Greener

Norma Jean (Brueck) Greener, of Fort Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024  at Lincolnshire Place. She was born on May 25, 1933 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Elmer and Frieda (Dettmer) Brueck. She married James H. Greener on October 30, 1955, who passed before her on February 25, 2014.

Surviving are her five children, Kenton A. (Teresa) Greener of Portage, MI, Karen A. (Kit) Kramer of Plainfield, IL, Michael L. (Jane) Greener, Michelle L. Greener, and Kayleen M. Greener of Fort Wayne.  Grandchildren include, Bryan C. Greener, Aleyna G. Greener, Christopher M. Greener and Alea A. Kramer,. She is also survived by her brother, Lee Roy and Norma Jean (Seddelmeyer) Brueck, and their children Matthew (Jennifer), & Todd (Aimee) Brueck. 

Not long after having her 5 children, she returned to college to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University (IPFW), followed by her Masters in Education in 1972.  She taught for Northwest Allen County Schools for 30 years, primarily teaching second and fourth grade. After retiring from the school system, she substitute taught for a few years along with working part time at the YMCA North childcare program.  

Raised on a farm on Paulding Road, she loved all animals. She was especially fond of her Aussies, Kozmo, Balto & Keiko, taking them to agility training at FWOTC (Ft Wayne Obedience Training Club).  She cherished her many pets, keeping her company after her husband Jim passed. 

Norma loved spending time with Jim, her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed baking, playing Euchre and had quite an artistic flare with hand painting ceramics.  She also loved music and learned to play the accordion as a teenager. She played for local bands in her early twenties. She and her brother Lee Roy, entered several talent contests and won a trip to The Grand Ole Opry which was chaperoned by the late Charles "Smoky" Montgomery of Smoky's Records & Tours. Some of their early 1950's performances were recorded onto vinyl records.

She enjoyed traveling, and took countless bus trips with Land Cruise, Inc. She experienced a lot of educational and fun places around the country, always making new friends.   

Over the years, she participated in community organizations such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters, along with volunteering as an Embassy Ambassador and being involved with AAL/Thrivent.   

Visitation is Thursday, June 27th from 3:00 – 7:30 PM  at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 14318 Lima Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, June 28th at 11:00 AM, with visitation an hour before.

Memorials in Norma’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Humane Ft. Wayne, or Perfect Paws Rescue.

Arrangements by DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.