Norma Jean Baker

Norma Jean Baker, (a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe) Age 78, met her creator on 5/12/2026 after a courageous battle with cancer, which unfortunately led to post treatment challenges.

Over the years Norma has had an overwhelming amount of illnesses, including multiple cancers and surgeries, which she was able to have the mental and physical strength to fight and overcome. Her resiliency was her absolute specialty, which has been a true testament to not just herself, but to all who knew her. Her amazing ability to beat the odds time and time again continued to inspire others. We even called her “The Bionic Woman” and “Wonder Woman” sometimes because she was that tough!! Her trust and faith in God’s plan was something she spoke of often. She passed on that faith to all of her children, which was very important to her, and for that they say, "Thank you, well done Mother”

Norma was also known for her enormous caring heart; always thinking of others, starting their collections for them, and consistently offering a helping hand.  She enjoyed baking, painting, crafting, organizing, shopping, cleaning, cooking, spending time with her family, going to rummage sales, watching HGTV, and let’s not forget clipping coupons, which gave her the nickname “The Coupon Queen.” She loved getting dolled up and dressing nice, and would never consider leaving the house without her earrings. EVER..!

Norma was filled with love and laughter. She enjoyed telling a good joke and appreciated others who shared a similar sense of humor. She also had an abundance of spunkiness, sassiness, and being bold, which allowed her to “keep it real” and speak freely, many times leading others to shake their heads in some form, which usually ended with a laugh. 

Norma absolutely loved her family and was a woman of faith who found comfort and strength in God throughout her life. She shared the importance of her faith with those around her through her kindness, compassion, and a caring nature. She was a proud member of Appleton Alliance Church.

Her family would like to give a special thank you to all of the oncology staff including Dr. Nathan Munson, her radiologist at ThedaCare Cancer Care.  Dr. Munson, a man of faith, held a special place in her heart during all of her 33 completed radiation treatments. He personally encouraged Norma to trust the plan, prayed with her, and discussed scripture at many of her appointments. 

In addition, they would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Minor and the entire ICU staff, along with the additional oncology staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, who showed her family the absolute deepest amount of support, empathy, compassion, and ability to deliver tough messages in a sympathetic and kind way, while still providing the highest level in quality of care to her in her final moments here on earth. 

Her family would also like to thank all of the Appleton Alliance Church and Hortonville Alliance Church pastors who came up to pray for her and her entire family. 

Norma was preceded in passing by her parents, Henry and Virginia Baker, her husband Kenny Konkol, along with her 2 sisters Robyn Lynn, and Peggy Staats.

She is survived by so many loving family members including her 3 sons and their significant others; John Rodriguez (Michelle Laeyendecker), Jeff Rodriguez (Gail Puls), Mark Rodriguez (Jeanna Rodriguez), and 1 daughter Jenny Rodriguez. Also, her 7 grandchildren; Logan Rodriguez, Meadow Murphy, Brecken Murphy, Macie Rodriguez (RJ Riley), Bianca Rodriguez, Cali Rodriguez, Sarah Sumrow (Bill Sumrow), and 1 great grandson Grayson Rodriguez. In addition, her first husband, Oscar Rodriguez, the father of her four children, with whom she maintained a close friendship for more than 45 years. Oscar remained a supportive presence throughout the years, especially during her most recent diagnosis and illness, assisting her in many ways.  In addition, her siblings; Carol Schuh, John Baker (Carol Baker), Ginger Moss (Lynn Moss), Barb Radley (Brian Radley), and Jean Diehl. Furthermore many, many friends, including her longtime friends of 63 years Gail O’Brien and Barb Gerrits, who met Norma in middle school, and Mary Gerndt, whom she met in nursing school. 

We love you Mom!! And we already know what you are going to say… I LOVE YOU MORE! ❤️

Services to honor Norma and the indescribable stamp she left in our lives and in our hearts will be held on 05/28/2026 at Highland Memorial Park Chapel - 3131 N Richmond St. Appleton WI 54911. A visitation will be from 10am to 11am with the memorial service starting at 11.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.