Norman Harry Dickman

Norman Harry Dickman, age 87, of Polar finished celebrating his birthday by taking the hand of Jesus and crossing The River Jordan. He was surrounded by his wife and daughter as he departed on his journey. Norman was born on February 14, 1934 in Polar to the late Harry and Velda (Wierschke) Dickman. In April of 1953, Norman was united in marriage to Lila Fritsch. Newly married, he and Lila bought a dairy farm in Polar, farming until 1987, shortly after her death. All those years his second job was carpentry construction. He claimed that hard work kept him young. In June of 1989, Norm married Elizabeth Nettesheim. She survives and resides in Polar. Norm and Elizabeth lived their retirement dream traveling in their RV, escaping Wisconsin winters, and meeting new friends from across the U.S. and Canada. He became an avid bird watcher while traveling and at home. He also enjoyed camping, deer hunting, fishing, gardening, and sharing time with family and friends. Norm felt called to lend a helping hand when he saw a need: building houses for Habitat for Humanity families, grooming snowmobile trails for Polar Blazers Snowmobile Club, a multitude of jobs at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Polar, visiting friends in nursing homes, whatever a neighbor needed, various tasks at the Antigo Area Food Pantry and... He believed in sharing God’s love by serving others. Norman was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and continued his membership to Calvary Lutheran Church. Survivors in addition to his wife Elizabeth include a daughter, Linda (Mike) Brennenstuhl, grandchildren; Kevin (Ann) and Bradley (fiancé Kayli) Brennenstuhl, great grandchildren; Quinn, Gavin, and Tristan Brennenstuhl, sisters; Alice Shepherd, Adeline Foth, Audrey Wolf, sister-in-law; Yvonne Grimm, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, Lila, Norman was preceded in death by a son; Michael, sister; Mary Ann Van Boekel, brother; Byron Dickman, brother-in-laws; Jerry Van Boekel, Henry Sheperd, Bill Wolf, sister-in-law; Margaret Dickman, nephew; Brian Dickman; sister-in-laws; Ede Durst, Audrey Olsen, Hazel Palewicz, brother-in-laws; Dee Durst, Robert Olsen, Tom Grimm, John Palewicz, mother-in-law; Mable Olsen, and father-in-law; Thomas Olsen. Interment will be in Town of Polar Cemetery. The family will have a private service with Vicar Jennifer Sosinski. A celebration of Norm’s life will be planned in the summer. Memorial contributions in memory of Norm may be sent directly to the family to benefit REGI and LeRoyer Hospice. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family.