Norman L. Schwatken

Norman L. Schwatken, 74, of Abilene, Kansas formerly of Elk City, Kansas passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 at St. Lukes Medical Center in Kansas City, MissouriGraveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas with Rev. Jeff McCullough, officiating. Friends may sign the register book from 12Noon until 6:00 P.M. Monday at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 E. 4th Street, Cherryvale, Kansas.Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Americus Southern Baptist Church and they may be left with Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th Street, Cherryvale, Kansas" 67335.Norman Lee Schwatken was born November, 28, 1938 in Elk City, Kansas the son of Wilbur Schwatken Sr. and Mabel (Rentfro) Schwatken." He grew up in Elk City and graduated from Elk City High School." He also received his Associates of Arts degree from Independence Community College and completed Technical Automotive School in Kansas City.He enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Bennington from July 1961 and was honorably discharged July 1963.On October 22, 1961 in Independence, KS he was united in marriage to Sadie Wolf and she preceded him in death May 5, 1973." He was later united in marriage December 30, 1978 in Lawrence, KS to Linda Young and they were later divorced in 2005.He worked as an engineer for Cable TV companies for almost 50 years and was still working for Eagle cable at the time of his death.His favorite hobbies were rebuilding and repairing trucks and will be remembered for his generosity in helping people.Survivors include daughter, Sara Schwatken of Ames, Iowa, half brother, Wilbur Schwatken and his wife Veva of Elk City, Kansas, numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.He was preceded by his parents and one sister Karen Boldt.