1920
Norris
2009
Norris Tilkens
May 5, 1920 — April 9, 2009
Norris B. Tilkens, 88, of Wausau, died April 9, 2009, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Mr. Tilkens was born May 5, 1920, in Green Bay, to Michael and Alvina (Oldenburg) Tilkens. He had 5 brothers, 1 sister, 1 half-brother, and 3 half-sisters. He was the sole survivor of his family. He grew up on a farm, in Green Bay, and lived there until the age of 21. Norris then joined the U.S. Marines and served during WWII, as Sergeant, from 1941-1945. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service and retired in 1979, after 30 years of service.
He married the former Arlene Preuss, of Wausau, in 1948. Arlene was a beautician and owner of MiLady Beauty Shop, in Wausau. She preceded him in death in November 1978. In 1992, Norris married the former Dorothy Brown, of Wausau, and she preceded him in death in January 1994.
He was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church. He enjoyed playing on the church dartball team for 14 years, with his son, Gary. The old adage “never talk to strangers” did not apply to his life. He loved life and was a very likable and social person with a positive attitude that remains as an example for all of us! He had many hobbies which included excellent gardening skills, hunting, fishing, golfing, and he loved watching football, and was a loyal Packers fan.
Norris is survived by his three children: daughters, Gloria (Michael) Johnson, of Lakeland, FL, and Patricia (Thomas) Grisbaum, of Colorado Springs, CO; and son, Gary (Tonette) Tilkens, of Wausau; 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will held at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, on Monday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m.. The Reverend David Faulkner will officiate. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Monday, at the funeral home.
Dear DAD – “God has you in His keeping and we have you in our hearts. We will love and miss you always and forever.”
Mr. Tilkens was born May 5, 1920, in Green Bay, to Michael and Alvina (Oldenburg) Tilkens. He had 5 brothers, 1 sister, 1 half-brother, and 3 half-sisters. He was the sole survivor of his family. He grew up on a farm, in Green Bay, and lived there until the age of 21. Norris then joined the U.S. Marines and served during WWII, as Sergeant, from 1941-1945. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service and retired in 1979, after 30 years of service.
He married the former Arlene Preuss, of Wausau, in 1948. Arlene was a beautician and owner of MiLady Beauty Shop, in Wausau. She preceded him in death in November 1978. In 1992, Norris married the former Dorothy Brown, of Wausau, and she preceded him in death in January 1994.
He was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church. He enjoyed playing on the church dartball team for 14 years, with his son, Gary. The old adage “never talk to strangers” did not apply to his life. He loved life and was a very likable and social person with a positive attitude that remains as an example for all of us! He had many hobbies which included excellent gardening skills, hunting, fishing, golfing, and he loved watching football, and was a loyal Packers fan.
Norris is survived by his three children: daughters, Gloria (Michael) Johnson, of Lakeland, FL, and Patricia (Thomas) Grisbaum, of Colorado Springs, CO; and son, Gary (Tonette) Tilkens, of Wausau; 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will held at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, on Monday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m.. The Reverend David Faulkner will officiate. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Monday, at the funeral home.
Dear DAD – “God has you in His keeping and we have you in our hearts. We will love and miss you always and forever.”
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