Norman Schmitt

Norman "Grandpa" Schmitt, age 86, N8784 Hwy. E, Tomahawk, peacefully met his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 16, 2008 while surrounded by his family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Norman was born July 14, 1922 in Stetsonville, the son of William and Susan (Vogt) Schmitt. Norman enlisted in the Army in October 1942, and served with the 91st Infantry Division, 362nd Regiment, Company L. During his tour of duty, Norman served in Italy and fought gallantly hillto hill from the landing in Naples, through the Po River Valley and Gothic Line, and to the Bremmer Pass. During his service in Italy, Norman distinguished himself heroically earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for wounds sustained from enemy mortar fire. Norman moved to Tomahawk in 1948 to work for Owens-Illinois, where he was employed for 37 years, retiring in 1984. In 1950, Norman married Iva (Wagoner) Schulz in Merrill. Iva preceded Norman in death in 1993. Also preceding him in death were his sister Marie, of California, 3 stepsons, Joel, Delore "Doc", and Frederick Schulz, and 1 stepdaughter, Gloria Stelling, all of Tomahawk. Surviving Norman are: daughter, Gail Martinez of Tomahawk, 3 brothers, Franklin Schmitt of Mayville, James Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, William Schmitt of Ontario, California, 3 stepdaughters-in-law, June Schulz of Clintonville, Jean Schulz, and Marge Schulz, both of Tomahawk. Norman is further survived by 15 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, and all of his friends from the Pine Tree who affectionately called him "Grandpa Norman". A Memorial Service for Norman Schmitt will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2008 from Krueger & Sons Funeral Home in Tomahawk. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of services at 11:00 a.m.