Mr. Norbert James Podawiltz was born on May 18, 1926 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc.
He passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013.
He was the son of Elsie Exner and Russell Brady. He attended S.S. Peter and Paul grade School and graduated in 1940. Norbert enlisted in the U. S. Navy on November 16, 1943. He attended Miami University School for Bakers and Cooks in Oxford, Ohio. In June of 1944 he entered the Submarine Service in New London, Conn.
He was then transferred to the submarine base at Pearl Harbor. Norbert serviced proudly until June of 1946.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Norbert graduated from Oakland High in Oakland, Calif., then the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida with a BBA degree in marketing and law. In 1975, he received a BS degree in nursing from Idaho State University.
In 1953, Norbert married Joanne Waltman, a nurse from Evansville, Ind. In 1957, they bought a 38 foot Coast Guard boat and took it to Miami, Fla. via the Mississippi River. For about 13 years, they lived in Butte, Mont. and retired in Bainbridge, Ga. in 2004.
Norbert Padawiltz is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joanne Waltman Podawiltz of Bainbridge; his cousin, Bob Exner and wife, Shirley of Wisconsin Rapids; sister-in-law, Audrey Fetscher and husband, Allen of Evansville, Ind.; niece, Leighann Drake, husband, Eddie, and children, Nicholas and Mackenzie of Evansvill.; and faithful companions, Blackie and Rusty.
There will be a graveside service held in Wisconsin Rapids. at a later date.
Cox Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.