Norbert Charles Norpel

Norbert Charles Norpel, 93, passed away on October 13th, 2008 at home surrounded by loved ones. Norbert was born in Bellevue, Iowa on July 25th, 1915 to Charles and Laura Norpel. He graduated early from St. Joseph’s High School in 1931. He married Louise Marie Rachor on August 4, 1936. Their son Norbert Keith Norpel was born in 1937. Norbert owned and operated Norpel Super Service Station in Bellevue until the family moved to Des Moines in 1939. After moving to Des Moines, Norbert worked for the Des Moines Union Railroad until serving in the 140th Infantry Company of the United States Army from 1942 to 1944. Norbert served in Italy and ended his service as a Master Sergeant in charge of the Adjutant General’s Office. Upon his return from the service, Norbert drove a cab and used the G.I. Bill to complete his Accounting Degree at Drake University. After graduating, he worked for Augustine Accounting and the State of Iowa Liquor Commission before opening his own accounting business. He operated Norpel Accounting and Insurance from his home until retiring in 2003. Norbert and Louise we saddened by the death of their son, Norbert Keith in 1964.
Norbert was active in the community. He was a member and past president of the St. Vincent De Paul Society of Des Moines. Norbert was also the National Store Supervisor for St. Vincent De Paul Stores for several years. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and served as Financial Secretary for 45 years. He was a member of the Serra Club for the past 60 years and was a past President. He was a founding member of Seven Squares Square Dancing Club. He was a member of the Boline-Manfredi Post 9662 VFW. Norbert enjoyed attending conferences for his various charity work and taking Continuing Education Classes in accounting. He had a love of all things chocolate and rarely missed a Saturday night of Iowa Public Television. All who knew him well will remember his humor and his love of laughter.
He was a member of Visitation/Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church since 1939 and served on the Board of Trustees. He was the past president of the Visitation Holy Name Society and a member of the Dowling club. He visited Union Park Care Center as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.
Norbert is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Louise, his son, Norbert Keith, his parents, Charles and Laura Norpel; brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Janaan) Norpel, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Eileen (Harold) Lewis, Carma (Melvin) Hoff, Mary (Herbert) Stewart and Jane Ann (Robert) Burken, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rita (Rudy) Kemp, Jean (Bob) Hannam; as well as, several nieces and nephews.
Family will greet friends and relatives at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, on Friday, October 17th, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a wake service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Visitation/Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th, 2008. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Visitation/Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church, St. Vincent De Paul Society or Wesley Hospice.
Norbert was a wonderful husband; father, brother, uncle and friend, and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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