Norman E Schipporeit

Norman Edward Schipporeit, 91, of Broken Bow, died Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2016 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Broken Bow, with Pastors Joshua Hillmann and Roger Quandt officiating. Inurnment will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery with full military honors.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 9, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary, with family greeting friends and family from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Norman was born June 2, 1925 in Broken Bow to Edward and Gladys (Imlay) Schipporeit.  After graduating from Brewster High School in 1943, the family moved to a farm west of Merna.  On June 10, 1945, he married Dona Pollard of Broken Bow and they made their home in the Merna area. Norman entered the U.S. Army March 13, 1946 and was stationed at Warrenton, VA.  In 1954, Norman and Dona moved to Broken Bow.  Over the years, Norman farmed, worked 18 years with REA (now Custer Public Power District), and retired after 23 years with Nebraska State Bank and Trust.  In addition, “Ol’ Norm’s” Schipporeit Electric kept him busy throughout Custer County for more than 40 years. Norm will best be remembered for two things: practical jokes and pick-ups!  All those who knew him can tell many stories about pranks, both on the job and off, that Norm pulled over the years.  Fortunately, most ended with a good laugh and no serious injuries.  His pickups were truly his pride and joy.  He kept them spotless and running in top form.  There were literally folks lined up to buy his “used” trucks.  Coming in a close second was his John Deere tractor.  He spent many hours, year-round driving his tractor.  He especially loved giving rides to the grandchildren and teaching them how to drive it. The Schipporeit “front porch” was known as the place to get a sincere welcome wave from Norm and Dona.  iHis   Norman was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and held several positions on the Church Council.  He also served many years as a board member for the Prairie Pioneer Center.       Norman and Dona’s passion was traveling in their 5th Wheel camping with family and friends.  They made many lasting friendships at the Ainsworth Country Music Festival, and during the 14 winters spent in Fredericksburg, Texas.  Other trips included many State Parks, Branson, Missouri and a cross country adventure to Florida to visit Marlyn and family.   Above all, Norman was a friend to all and would help out in any way he could. Norman was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, his parents, sister, brother, and a son-in-law.  He is survived by his loving family; Marlyn (Bob) Marschall of North Palm Beach, Florida, and grandsons Jimmy (Whitney) McKenna, Matt McKenna and Josh McKenna, step-grandchildren Megan (Todd) LaVouge, Kevin (Meghan) Marschall,  Amy (Eric) McCabe and Kerry Coyle; Mark (Kimra) Schipporeit of Kearney and grandchildren Jenna (Patricio) Tapia, Brett and Amanda; and Marlene (Doug) Geiser of Broken Bow and granddaughters Sara, Sadie and Michaela; 5 great grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren, sister-in-law Evelyn Pollard, sister-in-law Dona Schipporeit, many nieces and nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Broken Bow.     .