Norbert H. Wordekemper

Norbert Herman Wordekemper was born at Willey, Iowa, September 11, 1922, the son of Godfrey and Mary Korves Wordekemper. The family resided at Willey until 1932 when they moved to the farm north of Vail, Iowa. He received his education in the rural schools at Willey and Vail. During World War II, from December 12, 1942, until his discharge, January 8, 1946, Norbert served his country in the United States Army in the Western Pacific Theater. Upon his discharge Norbert returned to the farm north of Vail where he was a grain and cattle farmer all of his life. Following his retirement he continued to reside on the farm. He was a member of St. Ann?s Catholic Church in Vail and the American Legion Post 607, Breda, Iowa. In his spare time he enjoyed socializing with friends and attending dances. Norbert died Thursday afternoon, March 29, 2007, at the Carroll Health Center in Carroll, Iowa. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 84 years, 6 months and 18 days. Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, Godfrey and Mary Wordekemper, two brothers, Henry and Melvin Wordekemper and two sisters, Margaret and Bernice Wordekemper. Those remaining to cherish his memory include one brother, Lawrence Wordekemper and wife, Marie of Denison, two sisters, Helen Langenfeld of Harlan, Iowa, and Alice Roling of Early, Iowa, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at St. Ann?s Catholic Church in Vail, Iowa, with the Rev. John M. Thomas as Celebrant. Other participants in the mass included Jeff Fitzsimmons serving as Lector and Caitlin, Hannah and Megan Wordekemper serving as gift bearers. Music for the Mass was provided by St. Ann?s Adult Choir with Irene Feilmeier serving as organist. Military Honors were provided by the Vail American Legion Post 65 and Westside American Legion Post 196. Interment was at St. Ann?s Catholic Cemetery in Vail, Iowa. Following the interment the family invited everyone to join them at the Vail Community Building for a time of fellowship and a meal prepared and served by the St. Ann?s Parish Group. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements where on Monday, April 3, 2007, a Legion of Mary Rosary was prayed at 4:30 p.m. and a Parish Vigil Service, led by Father John M. Thomas, was held at 7:00 p.m.