Norman J. Kawell

Last modified: Friday, November 28, 2008 9:05 PM CST

Norman J. Kawell

COLFAX — Norman J. Kawell, 86, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, at the Colfax Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Norman was born Dec. 29, 1921, in Evanston, Ill. to Jess and Gertrude (Alf) Kawell. He received his elementary and high school education in Evanston, graduating from Evanston Township High School in 1940. He volunteered for service during WWII, serving in the Army Signal Corps. He attended the University of Missouri before being shipped out to the Pacific Theater of War, spending the duration of the war in Japan. Norman was a member of the American Legion Post 237 in New Auburn.

Upon returning from the war, Norman worked as general manager for his father’s Ford dealership in Chicago. In 1948 he was married to Maxine (Calkins) Olson in Evanston, Ill. They remained happily married until his death, one day short of their 60th Anniversary.

In 1960, Norman purchased his own Ford-Mercury dealership in New London, which he operated for 26 years. While in business, Norman served on several Ford Motor Company committees on a state and district level in Wisconsin and Illinois. The 26 years in New London were filled with community and recreational activities. Norman served on the New London Hospital Board, Industrial Opportunities, Rotary, U.C.C. Church board and country club. He was president of the Island Chain of Lakes Lake Association for four years. He never missed an opportunity to hunt, fish, golf or go boating on the Wolf River. Norman and Maxine were avid golfers and, after retiring in 1986, spent their winters at their Florida home. They enjoyed beautiful summers at their lake home on Clear Lake where they enjoyed having their family and friends with them.

He is survived by: his wife, Maxine of Bloomer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Jess and Gertrude (Alf) Kawell and one sister, Jean Voyles.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Bloomer with Pastor Phillip Schneider officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the New Auburn American Legion. Friends may call one hour before the service on Monday at the church. There will be no visitation Sunday evening.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Bloomer or the Colfax Health & Rehabilitation Center’s Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.

Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family may express online condolences at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com.