Norman Elmer Wollbrink

Norman E. Wollbrink, 91, of Sutter, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Quincy, Illinois.

Norman was born on May 17, 1931, in Sutter, Illinois, the son of Elmer and Jennie (Buckert) Wollbrink. He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1949, and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until 1954. He was honorably discharged. Norman was united in marriage to Joyce Mae Waechter on March 15, 1958, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Quincy, Illinois. She survives.

Norman was a devoted member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Sutter and worked as a farmer in the Sutter area most of his life. He actively served his church and community in many ways and was a fifty year member of the Lima Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Great River Ski Club, the Quincy Shrine Club, the Warsaw School Board, the Quincy Bicycle Club, the Bethlehem United Church of Christ Board, the Quincy Consistory, the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Korean War Veterans and the Warsaw American Legion. Norman also served as sexton of the church cemetery for many years and was a Shriner Clown. In his free time, Norman enjoyed skiing and cycling. One of his favorite events in life was the opportunity to participate in the Great River Honor flight, and he encouraged all veterans to go.

Norman is survived by his wife Joyce Wollbrink of Sutter; four sons: Bruce (Cyndy) Wollbrink of Sutter, Illinois, Brad (Brenda) Wollbrink of Quincy, Illinois, Kevin (Mindy) Wollbrink of Sutter, and Kirk Wollbrink of Tioga, Illinois; five grandchildren: David (Melissa) Wollbrink of West Point, Illinois, Hannah (Luke) Muegge of Mendon, Illinois, Josh (Taylor) Wollbrink of Quincy, Brandon Wollbrink of Quincy, and Jacob Wollbrink of Quincy; his step-grandson Justin Hainline of Mexico, Missouri; three great-grandchildren: Addison Wollbrink, Emma Wollbrink and Cooper Wollbrink; and great-grandchild Muegge due in March.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Clarence and Herbert Wollbrink.

Funeral services will be held at 12 pm (Noon) on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Sutter, with burial with military honors to follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm (Noon) directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethlehem United Church of Christ or the Great River Honor Flight.

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