Norbert "Norb" A. Widhalm

NORFOLK -- Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Norbert A. “Norb” Widhalm, 79, of Norfolk, will take place at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norfolk. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, with a 7 p.m. rosary, also at the church. Following a luncheon at St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday, burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in Humphrey. Military rites will be conducted in the church parking lot by the American Legion Post 16, V.F.W. Post 1644, and the United States Air Force Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norfolk. The service will be live-streamed on the Stonacek Funeral Chapel Facebook page. Norbert, one of the best-loved sons, husband, brother, uncle and friend, passed away at his home Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, following a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumor. He will be terribly missed by all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Norb entered this world July 6, 1943, in Norfolk, NE, the sixth of 11 children born to Albert J. and Agnes (McGuire) (Billerbeck) Widhalm. A 1961 graduate of St. Francis High School in Humphrey, Norb attended the College of St. Joseph in Albuquerque, NM and later achieved an electrical degree from Northeast Technical College. He served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force and was a military police officer in Vietnam from 1967-1968. He married the love of his life, Leann (Register) (Cattlett), on July 21, 1989. The couple made their home in Norfolk, where Leann taught at Norfolk Junior High and Norb was employed in distribution and as a window clerk at the U.S. Post Office for 23 years, retiring in 2008. Norb was pleased to have served his country and was active in the American Legion and VFW Post 1644 in Norfolk, where he was a regular volunteer, serving in the VFW Color Guard and as Quarter Master. He and Leann helped with activities at the Norfolk Veterans Home, taking residents on a variety of outings. He proudly participated in the Vietnam Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2017. He was also a member of the Norfolk Fraternal Order of Eagles. A lifelong Catholic, Norb lived his faith. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, and assisted St. Mary’s Church as lector, Eucharistic Minister, sacristan and funeral mass server. He helped to fund the Widhalm Family Medical Scholarship provided annually to a senior at St. Francis High School in Humphrey, personally interviewing and advising graduates entering the medical field. Norb enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing and traveling throughout the country with Leann, and spending time with family and friends. A diehard Husker, Packers and Cardinals fan, he attended countless football and baseball games. Loved and admired by all who knew him, Norb had a gregarious personality and quick-wit and playful sense of humor. He had a mischievous side, which included a twinkle in his eye and wink when he knew he was being funny. He loved joining his family in their texting threads of puns, each trying to top the other in a loving, nonsensical way. He connected with everyone, regardless of age or social status. Survivors include his wife, Leann; sisters: Helen (Alvin) Fuchs of Columbus; Patricia J. Widhalm, Charlottesville, VA; Mary V. Widhalm, New York City; Susan Widhalm, Isle of Palms, SC; Beth (Jim) Boesch, Columbus, NE; Mickey (Bob) Creager, Lincoln, NE; brothers: Alan J. (Eileen Sueper) Widhalm, Waverly, NE; and Dr. Tim Widhalm, Omaha; sister-in-law Judy (Fuchs) Widhalm, Ogallala, NE and 16 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dick and Jack Widhalm, sister-in-law Mardy Widhalm, brother-in-law Jack Gerrity, and nephew Shawn Boesch. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Church in Norfolk. Honorary pallbearers (friends) will be Bob Mather, Roger Casselman, Larry Robinette, Keith Anderson, Lonnie Prusa, and Joe Schmitz. Honorary pallbearers (nieces and nephews) will be Jason Boesch, Dave Widhalm, Jarryd Widhalm, Chris Widhalm, Eric Fuchs, Tara Gleason. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Norbert "Norb" A. Widhalm

July 6, 1943 - February 10, 2023