MADISON - Norma E. (Cupp) Gard, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at UW Hospital. She was born at home, the fourth child of John S. and Tressie E. (Rose) Cupp on Feb. 19, 1933, in Forest Township, Richland County.

The family lived near the county school where her dad was a teacher. Later they lived in Lynxville, Wis., when her dad worked on helping build Dam No. 9 on the Mississippi River. When Norma was two years old the family moved back to Bloom Township, Richland County to help with her grandpa's farm during the Depression times. They lived in two different houses on her Grandpa John B. Cupp's farm. She went to three different one-room schools, the first being the Tar Hollow School, next Lower Buck Creek School, then Rockbridge Township and Hoosier Hollow School, Richland County. Later Norma came to Dane County with her mother. Norma worked for her room and board and lived with a wonderful family, the Saviduskys, in Maple Bluff, her title being a Mother’s Helper. She graduated from East High School, Madison in 1951.

Norma and Eldon Gard were married at the EUB (Evangelical United Brethren) Church on Feb. 20, 1954. They raised three children, Steven, Diane and Donna. After high school, Norma worked for the State of Wisconsin, Division of Health and the University of Wisconsin, Muscle Biology Laboratory.

Norma’s faith and her church, Monona United Methodist Church, was very important to her. She was an avid photographer. Norma and Eldon enjoyed their land near Cottage Grove, Wis., and she loved traveling with her family. They were able to see all 50 states by visiting National Parks, family, and attending Eldon's ship reunions where they met many wonderful people. She was proud to participate in research projects, especially the exercise classes for 12 years to see what exercise did for bone density.

Norma is survived by her son, Steve (Shari) Gard; daughter, Diane Brinkley; three grandchildren, Megan (Kevin) Welsh, Amanda (Matt) Gessner and Shawn Gard; five great-grandchildren, Peyton and Owen Welsh and Jase, Sylvie and Sawyer Gessner; four step-granddaughters, Jeanette, Pam, Kristine and Vicki Wolter and their families; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Cupp and Diane Gard; brother-in-law, David Jones; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldon; daughter, Donna Forsythe; sons-in-law, Wayne Forsythe and David A. Brinkley; brothers, Edgar, Bernard (Juanita), and James; in-laws, Harold (Marguerite) Gard, Lois Lien, Evelyn Jones and Melvin Gard; and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, with the Rev. Dr. Yohan Hong presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at Bloom City Cemetery at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Norma E. (Cupp) Gard

February 19, 1933 - August 01, 2024

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