Norm was born on August 31, 1934 in Lincoln, NE. He graduated from Teachers College High School and was never far from his hometown. He was funny, gregarious, wasn't afraid to show his big heart and he was heart-warmingly...loud.
He was preceded in death by Jean, his wife of 60 years, and is survived by four children Vicki Fazel, Melody (Tim) Beckman, Jeff Foreman, and Kristy (Larry) Punteney, and sister Bonnie Arnold.
Norm and Jean lovingly raised those 4 children in a 700 square foot home on 9th and B Street where, like his wife Jean, he spent his final hours.
In earlier days, that home at 1327 S. 9th was also the scene of more card games than a Vegas casino. Echo's of Jean screaming ’Norman!’ after Norm played trump, might still be heard down the adjacent alley.
Norm’s love for bowling was developed early in life as a pinsetter at Bowlmorr Lanes. He shared that passion for the game with Jean and the 4 kids. Norm bowled every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in the top leagues in Lincoln. He continued to bowl late in life in his weekly ”coffee bowl” league, throwing his last shot just 10 days before he passed.
Before starting a 44-year career at Sperry TV, Norm held other odd jobs like a TV antenna installer and owned a painting business with two close friends.
And Norm certainly had his share of close friends. He was dedicated to those friendships and owned a horse named Brown Rancher with those bowling buddies. Norm’s enthusiasm couldn't be contained when he finally saw that ”also-ran” of a horse, late in its career, finally win a race.
Norm was a big-kid. It's probably why he loved game shows and professional wrestling. His deep, bold, loud laugh followed his poorly done puns. It's quite possible that Norm was the originator of Dad jokes.
Friends and family questioned his claim that he didn't have a belly button--he wasn't afraid prove it. Those same friends and family never had to ask about his big heart, that was on display his entire life.
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