Norman Lee Wimmer

Norman Lee Wimmer, 84, of Columbia, Missouri lost his fight against COPD on December 1, 2022. He can now breathe freely and walk easily in Heaven. He was born to Russell and Ruth Wimmer in Avalon, Missouri and they, along with his sister, Betty Truesdell, preceded him in death.

After serving four years in the US Navy aboard the USS Forrestal, he attended the University of Missouri, earning a degree in electrical engineering, he had a long, successful career at IBM in Rochester, MN. On February 25, 1961, he married Judy King and together they raised three children: Brenda Granneman, Columbia, Missouri; Melanie (Jon) Martin, Chillicothe, Missouri; and Martin (Gina), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren Alexis Arey, Olivia Granneman, Tanner Wimmer, Lydia and Linnea Martin. Watching his great-granddaughters Eleanor and Kate Arey brought such joy to his life. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, along with two sister-in-laws and one brother-in-law.

After his IBM retirement in 1993, Norman experienced new adventures. He and Judy opened the Picnic Basket on the bike trail in Lanesboro, Minnesota, selling a lot of ice cream, sandwiches and picnic lunches to bikers along the SE MN trail. After moving back to Missouri in 1998, they settled in the Lake of the Ozarks. He enjoyed being a delivery driver for O’Reilly, always chatting with everyone along his route. Stormin’ Norman, as he was affectionately known by family, spent countless hours entertaining friends and family on the lake. Whether it was trying to throw kids (or adults) from the inner tube, teaching grandkids to fish for catfish or building a fire for S’mores, he enjoyed all of it. He and Judy traveled across the US often with lifelong IBM friends and enjoyed traveling overseas with their grandchildren.

Norman was a member of the United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club and a card club. He was a faithful man of great integrity, a quiet leader, lover of family, and always willing to share with those in need. He will be missed by many.

A celebration of life with full military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 5, 2022 at Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. 9th Street in Columbia with Pastor Greg Hughes officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Norman with a memorial donation to Cameron Cemetery, Attn: Lois Meyer 24476 LIV 359, Chillicothe, MO 64601 or Coyote Hill, 1209 E. Walnut St., Columbia, MO 65203 or Mid-MO Fisher House, PO Box 30681, Columbia, MO 65205.