Norma R. Nilsen, 85, Rockford, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, December 2, 2017 at Fairhaven Christian Home after a short illness.  She was surrounded by her loving family.  Norma was born July 31, 1932 in Marengo, Illinois, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Austin.  On August 19, 1950, she married Martin Nilsen in Rockford and they had four children.  Norma worked for GTE in Genoa, Illinois, for 25 years, in addition to raising her family.  She cherished her family times, especially when they vacationed in northern Wisconsin, relaxing at the lake and boating.  She loved bowling and was on several leagues over the years.  Martin and Norma enjoyed trips to Michigan salmon fishing.  They were members of the Sons of Norway, Belvidere Moose Lodge and Boone Lake. She made her spiritual home with the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message and she enjoyed reading Holy Scripture.

Norma is loved and will be missed by her children, Kathi (Patrick) Otten, Caryl (Rodger) Hay, Debra (Paul) Triolo and Martin Chris Nilsen; sister, Dorothy Deon Dittbenner; twelve grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased in death by her parents; husband, Martin; granddaughter, Alyx and seven siblings.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, Ill.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will be at Highland Garden of Memories.  Memorials can be given in care of Fairhaven Christian Home, 3470 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL  61114.