Norbert W. Wanek

Norbert William Wanek (Norb), 76, of Denmark, WI, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 4, 2013. He was born on February 24, 1936 to Joseph and Catherine (Augustine) Wanek. Norb attended The Bungalow, a two room school through 8th grade. He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17 along with his brother Jim. He proudly served during the Korean War, returning home to run the family farm upon the death of his father. Norb married Martha Gwidt on July 20, 1957 in Pulaski, WI. They settled down on the family farm and were blessed with four children. Norb spent his life farming and became a member of the Veterans of Foreign War as well as the American Foreign Legion. He was a life- long member of Holy Trinity-New Denmark Catholic Church. Besides farming, Norb spent countless hours in the woods logging and making wood. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, and occasional trips together with Martha. He loved Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers, having season tickets, but was also a big Michigan Wolverines and Chicago Cubs fan. He did manage to get to Wrigley field with some good friends while he was still able. Norb also loved to listen to Johnny Cash, Romy Gosz, and gospel/church music. He is survived by his wife, Martha; four children: Aaron (Barbara) Wanek - Denmark, Suzanne (Dan) Zellner - Denmark, Jacqueline Wanek (Leonard Boltz) - Pearson, and Adrian (Gretchen) Wanek - Green Bay; grandchildren: Sarah, Katie, Abbey, and Mark Wanek; Eric, Alex(Terri), and Anna Zellner; Kayla and Courtney Wanek; step-grandchildren: Erin and Austin Noe; great-grandchildren: Chase and Zachary Zellner and Kira Laedke. He is also survived by his brother James Wanek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Wanek; infant sister, Mary, and his only cousins, Vernon Meyer and Lester Nemetz. Family and friends may call Monday, February 11, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Knutson-Cotter Funeral Home, 536 County Rd. R, Denmark, where there will be a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the procession leaves for Holy Trinity Catholic Church in New Denmark. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at church, with Fr. David Koch officiating. Interment with full military rites will follow in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Norb’s family would especially like to thank the staff at Parkview Manor as they cared for and helped him become a part of their community as well as Unity Hospice.