good night, sweet prince

On October 8, 2012 we said goodbye to our gentle father, husband, grandfather, and friend.  We will miss him beyond measure.

In 2006 we celebrated Norm's 75th birthday with this website. It's a multimedia extravaganza of stories, photos and greetings from family and friends--an online collection of memories.  Please browse the website and spend some time with Norm.

Schwister, Norman Walter
Age 80, of Circle Pines, Minnesota died October 8, 2012. Preceded in death by parents, Walter and Frieda Schwister and brother, Donald Schwister. Norm was born on October 17, 1931 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1952, majoring in dairy production. Norm served as an army medic in Germany from 1952-1954. He married Mary June Gibbons of DePere, Wisconsin on July 21, 1962. Norm spent close to 40 years in the dairy industry, working in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Most of Norm’s career was with Mid America Dairymen (now Dairy Farmers of America) as an operations manager. Norm and Mary spent their early years in Kiel Wisconsin, Winthrop Minnesota, and Bloomer Wisconsin. They moved to Circle Pines in 1976.  Norm enjoyed camping, hiking, and family vacations. He and Mary loved to travel, especially to the western United States. Norm’s interests included photography, sports cars, and the stock market. Norm appreciated all types of music from classical to big band to Linda Eder. He volunteered with Loaves and Fishes. Norm was a devoted husband, caring father, and gentle grandfather. He owned a TR3 but loved an MG. Survived by beloved wife of 50 years Mary (nee Gibbons); daughter Kathy (Mark) Griebel; sons Steve (Kathy) Schwister, Scott (Kelly) Schwister and Mark Schwister; grandchildren Scott, Hannah, Sam, and Tarikua Griebel; Katie and Erin Schwister; Finnian and Rowan Schwister; sister Lois (Steve) Radke; and countless other relatives and friends. Funeral Mass on Friday, October 19 at 11am; St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014. Visitation at the church on Thursday, October 18 from 6-8pm and Friday, October 19 from 10-11am. Interment at the church cemetery immediately following Mass.  Norm's family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. David King of Minnesota Oncology for his compassionate care.  We also thank the dedicated and expert staff of Minnesota Oncology, Unity Hospital - 2 West, Benedictine Health Care Center, Allina Home Health Care, Visiting Angels, and Allina Hospice.  Memorials preferred to Minnesota Angel Foundation, www.mnangel.org or Loaves and Fishes, www.loavesandfishesmn.org.