Norman Wisneski

He never looked for praises

He was never one to boast

He kept on quietly working

For those he loved the most

His dreams were seldom spoken

His wants were very few

Most of the time his worries

Would go unspoken too

One of our greatest blessings, our Dad.

As his family and friends can attest, Norman Wisniewski was an extraordinary man to know and love. He served without hesitation and took pride in everything that he did. Norm cherished his family and treasured the time he could spend with his loved ones. Dearly loved, Norm will be forever missed.

The 1920s were an exciting time in American history. Innovation was leading the way to new frontiers that transformed our daily lives. Cars were mass produced on assembly lines, Amelia Earhart and Charles Linbergh transformed the world of flight, and prosperity was largely felt nationwide. It was also during this exciting time that Stanley and Helen (Frankowski) Wisniewski eagerly awaited the birth of their new baby. On September 25, 1928, their wait was over, and they welcomed Norman Richard into their family.

Growing up, Norm was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He joined his family as the youngest of six children as his siblings included, Harry, Jerry, Lucille, Marguerite, and Dorothy. However, as Norm was ten years younger than his nearest sibling, he spent most of his childhood as the only child in the home which awarded him with a lot of attention. The Wisniewski family were members at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, which is also where Norm attended grade school. He graduated from Union High School. As a teenager, he was a paperboy and gave his earnings to his parents to help with food and clothing for the family. Once in high school, he loved going to the ice cream parlor with friends. His parents never drove, instead using street cars available for 10 cents. But he learned to drive at the age of 18 and saved up to buy his first car, a 1951 grey and white Pontiac. After working for a couple of years, he joined the Air Force in 1950 along with a good friend of his. Norm served for two and a half years during a time of great need. Throughout his time in the military, he visited Japan and Guam as a radio operator during the Korean Conflict. For the rest of his life, Norm was always proud of his service.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Norm as he returned home from his service. Over the years, he worked several different jobs, but it was while he was working at R.C. Allen that Norm met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Helen Pomarius, and it didn’t take long for the two to realize that they were made for each other. Deeply in love, Helen and Norm were married on November 17, 1955, at St. Adalberts. As time went on, the family grew to include five children, Debbie, Bob, Sue, Dan, and Sandy. For the most part, “Stormin Norman” and Helen raised their children in the home that they had built for themselves in 1960.

In order to support his family, found a longtime job as a letter carrier with the United States Post Office. This was a great fit for him as he was extremely friendly and enjoyed interacting with the people. His route was near Richmond Park, and it even included his sister’s house! Towards the end of his career, Norm became a supervisor for the post office.

Norm had many activities to fill his spare time and loved keeping busy. He enjoyed playing sports such as participating in softball leagues, playing golf, and even scoring a 298 in bowling. Norm also loved watching sports as a spectator, especially the Detroit Tigers and various college games. In addition, he spent a lot of time in the kitchen, and after retirement he even took over much of the home cooking and grocery shopping. As his family and friends can attest, Norm was known for his sweet tooth all throughout life, and he often mixed his Frosted Flakes with his Cinnamon Toast Crunch. As a couple, he and Helen often played card games with several of their good friends.

Norm and his wife made a great team. Together they took their family on many vacations throughout Michigan, and Norm sometimes rented a trailer for the trips. While on vacation, he made sure to take the time to relax and enjoy himself, unplugging from the hustle of everyday life. He liked to walk on the beach and soak in the weather. The family enjoyed trips to Hawaii, California, Florida, Montana, Las Vegas, and New Orleans. It was always a team effort as Helen would pick the location and Norm would do the planning. He also encouraged his kids to participate in activities and supported them in whatever they chose. Norm was an extremely organized person, and even his yard was always well-groomed.

Family was Norm’s greatest treasure, and he loved becoming a grandfather later in life. He doted on his grandchildren and took every opportunity to see them and make them happy. Norm’s faith was also very important to him. He was a member of St. Jude Parish since 1960 and worshiped there every week. Unfortunately, Norm’s wife Helen passed away just a few weeks after a cancer diagnosis. After her death, he primarily stayed at home, although his friendly neighbors and his children visited him often.

All who knew Norman Wisneski would agree that he could find contentment and happiness in any situation. He was a man of integrity, and he spent most of his life serving others. He made the most of the days he was given, and he loved being surrounded by his family and friends. Norm leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will carry on proudly in his footsteps.

On Saturday morning, August 1, 2020, Dad quietly slipped away to join his wife Helen in Heaven. She had been waiting almost 5 years. Norm was the last remaining child of Stanley and Helen Wisniewski. Five brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

Norm is survived by his children Debbie and Steve Prawdzik, Bob and Marcie Wisneski, Sue Wisneski, Dan and Lisa Wisneski, Sandy and Dave Wolters; his grandchildren that he was so proud of and loved beyond measure, Danielle Prawdzik and her boyfriend Chase Devereaux, Rachel Prawdzik and her boyfriend Carson Nyenhuis, Lauren Prawdzik, Scott Prawdzik and his girlfriend Jessalyn Gonzalez, Jack and Evan Wisneski, Breanna, Rebekah and Trevor Wisneski, Alexa Wolters; brother-in-law, Gene Bodell; and many nieces, nephews and friends. His family would like to give a special thank you to his treasured neighbors/angels Tammy and Greg for their wonderful meals, Lou and Connie, and John and Jennifer. His family will have a private service, but friends are invited to visit with Norm’s family on Wednesday, August 5 from 10-11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Faith Hospice. To read more about Norm’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory, visit www.heritagelifestory.com