Norma Jean Johnson

In Loving Memory of Norma Jean Johnson

May 20, 1931 – July 25, 2025

Norma Jean Johnson, 94, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Edgewood Vista, with her family by her side.

Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Clifford and Francis Gilbertson, Norma lived a life of faith, compassion, and deep devotion to family and community. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1954 with a degree in Social Work and a minor in Art, where she was a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta and was crowned Engineer Queen in 1952.

Shortly after graduation, Norma married Paul Gableman, and together they raised four children, eventually settling in Duluth in 1967. Once her children were in school, Norma returned to work and found purpose serving at both the American Cancer Society and Duluth School District #709.

She was a dedicated member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir, was active in the Dorcas Circle, helped launch the prayer shawl ministry, and served faithfully as a Deaconess. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters and sang in a local Finnish choir.

Norma’s passions included time with family and friends, gardening, decorating, playing cards, reading scripture, and following politics. She adored animals—especially her beloved cats—and always found joy in their companionship.

She was known for living by the Golden Rule—treating others the way she wished to be treated—and lived each day with kindness, humility, and a heart full of grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Paul.

Norma is survived by her loving children: Cathy (Joe) Fresquez, Paula (Dan) Butler, Cliff (Kathleen) Gableman, and Julie (Brian) Heitzman; 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many extended family and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM followed by an 11:00 AM memorial service on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, 2415 Ensign Street, Duluth, with Pastor Mark Raitz officiating. Burial will take place in Ada Cemetery, Ada, Minnesota, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church.

Norma’s legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering faith lives on in all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.