NORBERT KAPLER

Friday, August 14, 2015 6:26 pm

Norbert Kapler, 99, of Spillville, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at the Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18,  at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, with Rev. Robert Gross officiating. Lectors are Leah Knutson, Paul Shatek and Barb Bohach. Offertory gift bearers are Norbert’s grandchildren. Organist is Doris Thompson. Soloist is Dan Silhacek. St. Wenceslaus Choir also will sing. Hymns are “Amazing Grace,” “You Are Mine,” “One Bread, One Body” “Goin’ Home” and “On Eagles Wings.” Eucharistic ministers are Phyllis Riehle Carol Hayek and Barb Bohach. Casket bearers are Norbert’s grandchildren. Military honors are by Clarence Bily American Legion Post No. 467, Spillville. Interment is at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Spillville. Balik Funeral Home in Spillville is handling arrangements.

Norbert was born on a farm northwest of Cresco May 29, 1916, son of Adolph and Catherine Ferrie. He married Louise Huber June 1, 1942, in Spillville. He attended St. Joseph grade school in Cresco. He helped on the family farm and owned and operated a service station for several years in Cresco. After he married, Norb and Louise moved to Cedar Rapids, where he worked at the Wilson Meat Packing Plant and with Century Vault owned and operated by his brother-in law, Chuck Pochobrasky. He received his draft notification on Louise’s birthday, Oct. 29, 1942. He was inducted into the army in March 1943, and served with the 8th Armored Division as a radio operator on the front lines, primarily in Gemany. Known as “Sauce” to his fellow service members, he was honorably discharged in Nov. 1946, with two overseas bars, the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars and the World War II Victory Medal. After his discharge he farmed the Michael Huber homestead with Louise. Norb was a master of all; with a pliers and knife in his tool belt, repairs were readily available. He could build anything from wood, be it furniture or birdhouses. He was a stranger to no one, quick to put a smile on your face with a good Ole and Lena joke and his sharp sense of humor. Many hours were spent on the Mississippi in the backwaters by Harpers Ferry fishing bullhead in their homemade boat. More recently many happy hours were spent with the local Rooster and Hen’s Club. He was a member of the NFO, VFW, St. Wenceslaus Holy Name and American Legion.

Norbert is survived by a daughter, Lori (Roger) Shatek, Fort Atkinson; five grandchildren: Leah Knutson, Neil Shatek, Katie Shatek, Paul Shatek and Alex Shatek; four great-grandchildren: EllieRose Knutson, Benjamin Knutson, CharlieAnn Knutson and Blaire Frein; a sister, Zinetta Eckerman, Waterloo.

Norbert was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; parents, Adolph and Catherine (Ferrie) Kapler; three brothers: Francis (Shirley) Kapler, Clem (Margaret) Kapler and Urban (Dorothy) Kapler; two sisters,  Margaret ( Jim ) Fitzpatrick and Sister Elwyn Kapler; father- and mother-in-law, George and Rose (Klimesh) Huber; three sisters-in-law: Henrietta (Chuck) Pochobrasky, Evelyn (Clarence) Hayek and Gladys (Edward) Wagner; one brother-in-law, George (Rita) Huber.