Norbert W. Ecke, 86, of Shawano, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 18, 2014, in Shawano.
Norbert was born March 28, 1928, in Shawano, a son of the late William and Frieda (Arnst) Ecke. He attended Shawano schools and graduated from Shawano High School. The day after graduation, Norbert enlisted in the United States Navy. He served during World War II with the Seabees on the island of Guam. Upon returning from service, he continued with the U.S. Naval Reserve for five years.
Norbert worked in the family business, W.A. Ecke Grocery, in Shawano. In 1962, he and his brother, Russell, purchased the business and renamed it Ecke’s Food Mart. They ran the store until it closed in 1982 after 62 years of service to the Shawano community. After closing the store, Norbert worked for the USDA as a meat inspector, retiring in 1992.
On April 29, 1951, Norbert was united in marriage to the former Barbara Weber at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. The couple lived in Shawano their entire married life. Norbert was a member of Peace United Church of Christ of Shawano. He was the second oldest baptized member of Peace Church. He was a member of Shawano VFW Post 2723 and Shawano American Legion Post 117. He was also a free and accepted Mason, belonging to Shawano Lodge 170, where he was very active. He was an honorary member of the Masonic Commandery, Green Bay Lodge.
He loved to fish and deer hunt. Norbert was also an avid bird watcher. He was Shawano’s nationally known weatherman and appeared on television several times. He and Barb loved to travel, and visited every state except Alaska and Hawaii.
Norbert is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Barbara, of Shawano; his son, Bill (Rita) Ecke, of Shawano; one grandson, Will (Liz) Ecke, of San Francisco; one granddaughter, Sarah (Emerence) Stroik, of Eau Claire; one great-grandson, Landon Stroik; and one sister-in-law, Ruth “Tooty” Franckowiak, of Traverse City, Michigan. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Nicholas Ecke and his brother, Russell Ecke.
Funeral services for Norbert Ecke will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ. Pastor Marty Black will officiate. Interment with military rites conducted by Shawano AmVets Post 10. Relatives and friends may call at Mickelson Funeral Service on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, from 3-8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A Masonic service will be conducted at 6:30 at the funeral home.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.
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