Norman Plenert
Norman W. Plenert, 79, retired Marion businessman, died Dec. 10, 2002.
Born Jan. 17, 1923, at Hillsboro, he was the son of the late Herman and Sarah (Ewert) Plenert.
Norman grew up on the family farm in the Brudertal community and also attended the Brudertal grade school. Norman attended high school in Hillsboro. He liked the outdoors. He graduated in 1941 and the following year enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps at age 19. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and classification of crew chief, training maintenance crews and helping to keep the B-17s ready for flight during WWII. The war ended while he was en route to the Pacific Theatre. He was discharged Feb. 12, 1946.
He was owner and operator of Plenert Tire Sales and Service in Marion. He previously had owned Plenert Ditching and Plenert Trucking. He retired in 1991.
He was a charter member of the American Legion post at Hillsboro and a member of Marion's VFW post; where he became commander and at the time of his death was a trustee.
He was married to Rosella Nickel Oct. 17, 1948, at Hillsboro. She survives at the home in Marion.
Other survivors include son Terry Plenert and wife Patti of Wichita; daughter Patty Peoples and husband Gary of Grove, Okla.; sister, Mrs. Edward (Mary Ann) Flaming of Paxton, Neb.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
The Rev. John Goering and the Rev. Marilyn Cox officiated at services held Saturday afternoon at Eastmoor United Methodist Church, where he was a member. Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
Music was provided by the Brookens family, Diane Boese, Anita Brookens, and the Eastmoor Bell Choir.
Casket bearers were Jon McLean, Brock Peoples, Gaylord Flaming, Randy Flaming, Gary Nickel, and David Nickel. Kenneth Schwendiman, Richard Bredemeier, Dean Williams, Tommy Thompson, Jack Regnier, and Pete Propp were honorary casket bearers. Military rites were provided by McConnell Air Force Base Color Guard.
Memorials have been established for the Eastmoor Bell Choir and Central Homecare and Hospice.
