1921
Norman
2009
Norman Pankow
August 11, 1921 — November 30, 2009
We Celebrate the life of Norman L. Pankow.
Norman joined his Lord on Monday, the 30
th
of November 2009 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in the loving arms of his wife, Lilamae, of 65 years and his children. (and many grandchildren) He was born on August 11, 1921 in Pine River, Wisconsin to Ernst and Caroline (Karau) Pankow. Norman was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church. Norman enlisted in the 32
nd
Red Arrow Division in October of 1940. He served two years in Biloxi, Mississippi after which he was deployed to New Guinea and Australia for four years. He returned to Merrill, WI on October 1
st
, 1944.
At that time on October 28, 1944, Norman married his soulmate , Lilamae Ritter, at St. Paul Lutheran Parsonage of Naugart. After Norman and Lilamae were married they were sent to Camp McCoy for two years after which he was honorably discharged from the Army in Illinois. Following this he joined the National Guard for eight years. During this time he worked at Ward Paper Mill for 28 years as an electrician and serviceman. He retired in July of 1983. During their 65 years of married life, Lilamae and Norman were blessed with seven children: Larrimore, Sharon (Norbert) Holz, Mark (Carol) Pankow, Corliss, Cynthia (Jerry) Buffinton, Bruce (Cindy) Pankow, and Angela (Calvin) Klade, 25 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren. Norman loved having his wife, children, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren near him. Norman loved to dance, listening to music, the out doors, fishing and parties. Norman enjoyed woodworking and “tinkering” with his many tools to make gifts for his loved ones.
Norman is preceded in death by parents Ernst and Caroline (Karau) Pankow and by his son Larrimore and infant daughter Corliss, and siblings Viola Hamlin, Olga Zahn, Gerda Pauls, Sidonia Erbstoesser, Florence Dohr, Elaine Gremler, Martin Pankow, and Carl Pankow.
Norman will be sadly missed by his wife and loved ones.
Services will be held Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11:00AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitaion will be from 4-8 pm Friday, December 4, at Waid Funeral Home and again from 10-11 am before the service Saturday at the church. The Rev. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. The burial to follow at Snow Hill Cemetery, with graveside military honors by VFW Post #1638. If desired memorial contributions may be made to Trinity School. Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. On line tributes may be made at
www.waidfuneral.com
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