Norbert Rolwing

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Norbert Samuel Rolwing, 98, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Jan. 31, 2016, at Charleston Manor in Charleston after a long and healthy life enjoying his farming career, his wife and family, tons of friends, traveling and always learning.

Born Oct. 28, 1917, at Possum Island north of Charleston, he was the son of the late Otto Joseph and Ethel May Newcum Rolwing.

He was a member and supporter of St. Henry Catholic Church all his life, and that's where he first saw his future bride. He was looking for a chance to speak to her, but she was always with her friends and would leave right after church. He finally spoke to her at a Catholic Youth Council gathering.

Norbert was married on Aug. 9, 1941, to Carmelita Little, who preceded him in death in 2007. After their wedding, they moved into a house just south of his mother's home and raised their children there. In 1975, they built a new home in Charleston.

Farming was his life. Even when he no longer could farm, he loved to drive around Thompson Bend and see the growing crops. He loved music and dancing.

Norbert was a member of the choir at St. Henry's Church, the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree) and the Lions Club. He was an active supporter of 4-H beginning with its introduction in the county and of Boy Scout Troop 32. He served as an officer in the county Farm Bureau and was on the board of directors for the Scott-New Madrid-Mississippi County Electric Co-op and the Charleston R-1 Schools. He also tutored third-grade students in the local school. He was named Lions Club Man of the Year in 1988.

Survivors include four sons and two daughters-in-law, Joseph and Dianne Rolwing of Nashville, Tennessee, Otto "Stephen" Rolwing of Prescott, Arizona, Ron and Jeanne Rolwing of Charleston and Jerry Rolwing of Borrego Springs, California; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Betty and Carl Darnell of Taylorsville, Kentucky, Mary Golden of Charleston and Judy and Jim Porter of Oklahoma City; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Margaret Stricker.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, John Francis, Mark and Pat Rolwing, and three sisters, Miriam Rolwing, Helen Rolwing, and Rosemary Orr.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston. Monsignor Richard Rolwing will serve as celebrant.

Burial will follow in the Texas Bend Cemetery north of Charleston.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Henry Catholic School, 306 Court St., Charleston, MO 63834 or the charity of the donor's choice.