Norman Ernest Weitkamp

Born on July 29, 1913, Norman Weitkamp of Seattle, son of William H. and Martha Bloome Weitkamp of Fontanelle, NE, departed this life on December 21, 2013 surrounded by his family. Norman, a greatly loved husband and father, is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Ruth Weitkamp of which he described them to having lived a "fairytale life". His daughter Mary Weitkamp and husband Scott Sams, his son James Weitkamp and wife Stephanie Harlow, his grandsons, Matthew and Tristan, his sister Gladys, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded by his brothers Alvin and Alfred.

Norman grew up on his family's farm in Fontanelle, Nebraska where he was actively involved in 4-H which led him to the of study agriculture. He received his Bachelor of Science and Agriculture from the University of Nebraska in 1937 where he travelled the country as champion livestock judge and was awarded a prestigious Danforth Fellowship. In 1941 he graduated from Purdue University with a Master of Science degree in Animal Husbandry and Agronomy, where he was also an active member of the Farm House Fraternity. Shortly after he graduation he reported to Fort Sheridan in Chicago for his military service. His background in agriculture led him to be stationed at Fort Lewis Washington, where he obtained the rank of Captain and was responsible for developing, procuring and shipping perishable food to the military serving in the Pacific. After the War, he and Ruth settled in Magnolia and Norman took a position working with the Washington Fish and Oyster Company. Norman was a hard worker and took pride in providing for his family. He worked for the firm for 30 years and retired as Senior Vice President. He enjoyed sharing stories of working on the waterfront and of his trip around the world in 1957, where he purchased a doll in each country for his daughter Mary.

Norman was an avid bowler and golfer. During the 1954-1955 season he won the Seattle Bowling Championship and boasted once that his tournament winnings had paid for the birth of his son, Jim. He was meticulous in his dress and his demeanor, but also a kind and gentle person who insisted on fairness as much as possible. As a child, when he saw that a classmate was crying because his mother had passed away, he bought the boy a candy bar. Norman never spoke without carefully and thoughtfully choosing his words. When he made a joke you would have to be listening quite intently to fully appreciate the humor. He was proud of his family and their accomplishments and often bragged about them to anyone who cared to ask. This past summer Norman was able to attend a celebration of his 100th birthday, joined by many generations of the family from across the country. His devotion and care for his wife Ruth was shown by his nearly daily visits to her in the nursing home where he would often bring her flowers, the staff chocolate and sit for a while just holding her hand. Norman and his delightful tales of years passed will be truly missed as we celebrate the life that he lived.