Norbert E. Wanzek, 84, of Wells, died Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at his home in Wells, following a courageous battle with cancer. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells. The Rev. Eugene Stenzel will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and one hour prior to the service at the church with Rosary at 9:30 a.m.

Burial will be in St. Casimir Cemetery in Wells with military honors by the Wells Color Guard.

Norbert E. Wanzek was born Sep. 28, 1922, in Freeborn County, the son of Frank Sr. and Pauline (Dulas) Wanzek. He graduated from Freeborn High School in 1940. Norbert served in the U.S. Army from January 1943 to January 1946 in the Southwest Pacific receiving the Asiatic Pacific Medal, Philippine (Liberation) Luzon Ribbon with two bronze stars and bronze arrowhead.

Norbert was married to Elaine Kalis on June 15, 1949. He worked in the Albert Lea and Wells area until retiring in 1985. He enjoyed baseball and football games, gardening, and woodworking. Norbert was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rosary society, American Legion Post #210 and a life member of the Wells VFW Post #1778.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elaine Wanzek of Wells; four children, son, Fred Wanzek (Deanna) of River Falls, Wis., daughters: Beth Wanzek (John) of Bloomington, Pat Hanzal (Al) of Eagan, and Lenore Sweers (Mark) of North Mankato; grandchildren: Nathan (Kelly) Wanzek, Meghan Wanzek, Lauren and Ted Sweers; David, Jaqueline and Laura Hanzal.

He is also survived by one sister, Elnora Evan of Mankato; In-Laws: Francis (Betty) Kalis of Albert Lea, Henry (Vi) Kalis of Walters, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Leon, Frank and George; sisters, Regina and Alice; and a grandson Chad Wanzek.

Memorials are preferred to Crossroads Community Hospice, Mission Honduras and the American Cancer Society.