Norbert William Pomerenke

Norbert William Pomerenke, age 95, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Oak Park Place where he had been a resident since December, 2019. Norbert was born on April 17, 1929 at home in the Town of Belmont, Wisconsin to the late Henry William and Verna Mae (Pike) Pomerenke.

Norbert spent his childhood on various farms in Waupaca and Portage counties. The eldest of 12 children, Norbert started working at a young age at area farms to help support the family. In 1949, Norbert began work at what was then known as the Waupaca County Asylum as a farmhand. It was here that he met Ruth, the love of his life. Norbert worked here until 1951 when he left to work at the Waupaca Brick Yard. He hoped to make a better wage here, however, Uncle Sam had a different idea. No longer working in the farming industry, Norbert received papers requiring him to report for active duty. He was inducted into the Army on July 10,1951. After training, Norbert was sent to Korea, where he served until his honorable discharge on May 7,1953. On July 18, 1953, Norbert was united in marriage to Ruth Price. During their almost 63 years of marriage, Norbert and Ruth had 6 children.

Upon discharge, Norbert began a career at Kimberly Clark where he was employed until January 1, 1990. Along with work at Kimberly Clark, Norbert also had many “part-time” jobs, including – painting, yard work, maintenance and driving school bus. Norbert actually drove bus until the age of 84, having driven for 54 years. After retiring from Kimberly Clark, Norbert spent a lot of his time tending to his vegetable and flower gardens. His cannas were a passion of his, digging the bulbs every fall and planting them again in the spring.

A member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Menasha, Norbert served on various boards and was an active member of the congregation and Trinity Lutheran School. On many occasions, Norbert could be found painting either the church or school rooms when maintenance needed to be done. Norbert had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior and practiced his faith throughout his life.

Norbert is survived by his daughters Susan (David) Acaley, Marian (William) Fenlon and Janine Heid; his sons David (Carmela) Pomerenke, Douglas (Mary Ellen) Pomerenke and Ronald Pomerenke. He is further survived by fourteen grandchildren Michelle (Brody) Rice, Therese (Pavel) Tishakov, BJ (Michelle) Acaley, Emily Fenlon, Peter (Gaby Neuman-fiancé) Fenlon, Victoria Fenlon, Eric (Sarah Iverson) Heid, Jonathan Heid, Joshua (Madhuvanthi Sridhar) Heid, Eric Pomerenke, David Pomerenke, Jr., Angela (Jon) Kvalheim, Shaun (Katie Lohr) Pomerenke, Charles (Crys) Oberweiser. He is also further survived by nine great-grandchildren Mark Rice, Alaena Rice, Gregor Tishakov, Evan Tishakov, Adele Acaley, Rory Acaley, Alexandria Pomerenke, Colton Kvalheim and Cooper Kvalheim. Siblings LeRoy (Martha) Pomerenke, Donavin Pomerenke, Beverly Dunbar and Darlene Thomas.

Norbert was proceeded in death by his wife Ruth on January 3, 2016; his parents; grandson Mark Acaley and siblings Duane Pomerenke, Leslie Pomerenke, Dwight Pomerenke, Neil Pomerenke, Wesley Pomerenke, Doris Corbin and Alfred Pomerenke.

Funeral Services for Norbert will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 Broad St. in Menasha, WI at 11:00 am with Reverend Keith GeRue officiating. Family and friends are invited to visit directly at the church beginning at 9:00 am until the time of service. Entombment will take place Appleton Highland Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:30 pm, following military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Day School or Trinity Lutheran Food Pantry.

The family would like to thank Jen and staff at Oak Park Place for their thoughtful care and dedication of Norbert during his stay.