Norman C. Wichman

Click here to view video tribute   Norman Wichman, 76, of Pender died on Monday, October 8, 2007 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church West of Pender; Pastor Steve Tjarks will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the Munderloh Funeral Home in Pender. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Norman was born on December 31, 1930, at Pender Community Hospital, the son of Carl and Clara (Gralheer) Wichman. Norman was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He attended Rural School District #4 and graduated from Pender Public High School in May of 1948. Norman was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until 1954. He began farming in 1955 in Wayne County and continued to farm his entire life. Norman married Karen Anderson on December 30, 1956, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Obert, Nebraska. Norman served as Sunday School Superintendent and in several other positions at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and was responsible for starting the summer Bible School program at St. Peter’s. He was a charter member of the Northeast Cooperative Board of Directors in Pender and served on the board for six years. H was also a board member for School District #25 in Wayne County and also served on the Pender Rural Fire District. Norman and Karen retired from the far in September of 1993 and moved into Pender. He served on the Pender Community Hospital Board for eight years and was currently serving on the Pender Community Hospital Foundation Board. Norman’s first love was his family and his faith. He also loved to travel, visit with friends, work on the farm and attend all the events of his kids and grandkids. For the past twenty years, Norman has enjoyed attending his Army reunions and rekindling old friendships. He will be missed by many for his sense of humor and love of life. Norman is survived by his wife, Karen, children, Bryon, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Barb and husband Terry Bessmer of Norfolk, Nebraska and Bruce and wife Nancy, of Pender, Nebraska. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Amber and husband Ross Bacon, Tiffany Bessmer, Shelby Soll, Taylor Bessmer and Tanner Bessmer, and one great-granddaughter Avery Bacon. He is also survived by a sister, Lois Fillipi, of Pender, Nebraska; brother, Leon and wife Jana Wichman of Pender, Nebraska; sister Janice and husband Lyle Nolting, of Rosalie, Nebraska, and many nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Carla and Clara Wichman, his step-mother Mildred Wichman, and brother, Roger Wichman.