Norma 'Dodgie' Hesler

Norma "Dodgie" Hesler, 92, of Danville passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Colonial Manor in Danville. She was born on April 18, 1929 in Grape Creek a daughter of Velma and Joseph Wakeland. They preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her son, Greg Hesler; grandson, Justin Howard; and siblings Pat Lanning, Sue, Daniel, and William Wakeland.

Normas survivors include her husband of 67 years, David "Dean" Hesler; children Rita Dalbey, Brad Hesler (Laura Hill), Cheryl Winland (Terry Gobble); grandchildren Jacob Schabowski, Jami Schabowski, Rachel Dalbey, Adam Winland, Erin Langevin, Jerrad Dalbey, and Allie Frey; and great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Mikaila, Benjamin, Christopher, Avery, Ethan, Alex, Elyse, and Rose. She is also survived by her siblings Theda Mcquown, Helen Gouty, Joseph Wakeland (Cindy), and sister-in-law Joyce Wakeland; good friend and neighbor Jamie Eller who looked after Dean and Norma; niece Karen Gummere, who also assisted in her care, along with many other nieces and nephews.

After Norma graduated from high school, she married Dean and raised her family. She then pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher and continued her education starting at DACC and then Eastern Illinois University while not only raising children, but also being Deans primary caregiver after his disability in 1963. She received her bachelors degree from EIU in 1975 and later obtained her masters degree from the University of Illinois in 1984. She taught in several different elementary schools in Vermilion County prior to her retirement and could even be recognized as the Westville Avon lady in the late 60s and 70s.

Norma was a faithful and devoted member of the First United Methodist Church all of her life beginning at the Vermilion Heights United Methodist Church and then later the First United Methodist Church in Danville. Together, her and Dean were even members of the Conference of the First United Methodist Church.

Norma and Dean looked forward to their winters in St. Petersburg, Florida for nearly 25 years. She and Dean loved to take bus tours and traveling to many different states. Here in Illinois, Norma and Dean would often enjoy their time sitting on their deck and, most recently, their patio overlooking the lake at Autumn Fields.

The family would like to thank Autumn Fields for their outstanding care of Norma and Dean for the past year and a half. They would additionally like to send a warm thank you to Marge from Carle Hospice, Jackie from the Carle skilled nursing team, and Colonial Manor for their recent and excellent care for Norma before her passing.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 9, 2021 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center located at 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 11:00 am at Danville First United Methodist Church at 1400 N. Vermilion Street, also in Danville. Mason Sean McBride will officiate. Norma will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park. Please join Normas family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com