Norman Knuth, age 88, of Maribel, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, November 16, 2022, with his loving wife and family by his side at Aurora Hospital, Manitowoc. Norman was born on June 18, 1934 in Manitowoc County, son of the late Norman and Alma (Loppnow) Knuth. He attended Denmark High School. His lifelong dream was to have earned his high school diploma. He was awarded his high school diploma in 2018 in a special ceremony. In 1953, Norman joined the United States Army Reserves. On February 14, 1961, (appropriately Valentine's Day) Norman was married to the love of his life, Audrey (Stolzman) at St. John's Lutheran Church in Maribel, WI. Norman worked along with his wife Audrey and son, Norman III on the family farm his whole life. He was extremely proud of the farm and earned many awards including Outstanding Young Farmer. He mentored many young men who worked for him on the farm. A legend in his own time, Norman was also known as the "Red Baron," pilot of his own plane which he also flew from the airstrip on his Flying Dollar Farm. He gave over 300 first airplane rides to many friends and family. Anywhere Norman was, an adventure awaited. He was a creative, funny, smart and honest man. He was a dedicated family man. He enjoyed the grandchildren and great grandchildren and entertained them constantly. When they were around nothing else existed and everything could be fixed with candy. Norman and his son Butch rode their motorcycles side by side all over the United States. He had been to all 50 states and Europe with his wife Audrey. They enjoyed many, many card playing groups and had many friends. Norman was proud to be a member of the American Legion Post 363. Survivors include his wife: Audrey Knuth, Maribel; his two daughters: Sheri (Dennis) Kittell, Robin (Steve) Shimanek; 4 grandchildren: Samantha (Nick) Roth, Brooke Kittell, Brittany (Adam) Brouchoud, and Josh (Sarah) Shimanek: 5 great grandchildren: Maci and Kyli Roth, Lily, Hailey and Landyn Brouchoud and Ella and baby Shimanek (due in March); three brothers-in-law: Ken (Dawn) Stolzman, Larry (Connie) Stolzman and John (Mary) Stolzman and of course his beloved cat Red. Many nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Norman and Alma Knuth, son, Norman Knuth III; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Milda Stolzman; three sisters and brothers-in-law: Florence (Cal) Haskins, Marcy (Elmer) Retzlaff and Virginia (Wayne) Neuser. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home-Denmark Chapel (536 County Road R) on Tuesday, November 22, from 3-7pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at St. John Lutheran Church of Maribel (14311 S Maribel Road) from 9:00am until 10:30am. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am with Pastor William Harley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors accorded. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cotterfuneralhome.com.The Cotter Funeral Home of Denmark is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. The service will be livestreamed on St. John's Lutheran Church https://www.stjohnmaribel.com/page/sermons. The family would like to thank the medical staff of Aurora Hospital, Manitowoc, County Rescue Services and a very special thank you to all the staff at Shady Lane who took such good care of him –Especially Bridget! One of Norman's favorite sayings-"I miss you already!"

Posted online on November 19, 2022

Published in Green Bay Press Gazette, The Post Crescent, Herald Times Reporter