Friday, the 14th of January, was a typical winter day in the upper midwest with temperatures oscillating in the single digits leaving me chilled to the bone, as much as the news of the passing of our member John Lester Norman had. The warmth of the day descended upon me through repeated introductions to and conversations with the family and extended family that John had established in Marinette and Escanaba. Accompanied by another Wisconsin Chapter 1 member, Gary Fuchs, we represented Rolling Thunder's heartfelt respects condolences to the family and community of friends. The honor guard was provided locally by the VFW who appropriately presented the Stars and Stripes to the widow along with the POW/MIA flag donated by Rolling Thunder Wisconsin Chapter 1. The closed wooden casket was flanked by the usual bouquets and sprays of flowers. Wisconsin Rolling Thunder's strikingly austere and beautiful black and white bouquet. This bouquet added further strength to John's family's understanding of what our member/friend and former POW, John, meant to us. As we were greeted by John's mother, Dot (Dorothy) Norman, she escorted us to the coffin and at that point asked me to speak on Rolling Thunder's behalf. I think that is probably the most difficult speech I have delivered in a long time. I thanked the assembled group for having us as guests at such a solemn time and extended the feelings of support and condolence from Artie Muller, Executive Director of Rolling Thunder National, Gary Scheffmeyer, President, Rolling Thunder National and from all of us here in Wisconsin at the various chapters. With the conclusion of the funeral service at Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba, Michigan, Intern Pastor Sherri Nelson requested as directed by the family that all in attendance should proceed to Bethany Lutheran Church for a meal.

In the Spring, during the second weekend in June,on the 12th, when the ground has thawed, we, all chapters of Rolling Thunder Wisconsin will be in attendance at his internment at Lakewood Cemetery, Stonington. John Norman's mother, Dot, requested that this would be the proper time for the full military funeral for John's interment. This will be an event for all members of Rolling Thunder Wisconsin's Chapters and we do not want to hear excuses for not being there. All members are on notice and expected in attendance to lay John to rest. With this much lead time, open your schedule to this event.

Thanks,

Mike Greenwald
Board Chairman
Rolling Thunder Wisconsin Chapter 1

Keep us posted on your events. We have a couple ov events coming up very soon. Check our wed site.
http://rollingthunderilch2.org
We intend to come up June 10th & bring parts of Chs1 and 3 with us.
BTW, the 2/24 have members living in Wis.

I have been down for about 3 weeks, I will catch up with you by email

Thanks,

Mike