Norbert Dale Herschell

Norbert Dale Herschell known to his family and friends as Swede made the final crossing on December 15, 2008 to join his wife and son. Born December 4, 1923 at home in the 200 block of Buchanan Street, Swede was raised in and around Topeka & Lecompton KS. He served as a PFC in the Infantry Division of the Army from 1943 to 1945, where he learned the bakery skills which served him well when he opened a bakery in Heppner, Oregon. He was a member of the American Legion. While working in Topeka, Ks after his stint in the military, he met and married Eleanor Marie Blevins on September 12, 1949. They moved from Topeka to Portland, Oregon, where his parents George Clark Herschell and Bessie Luella Glenn Herschell and several siblings were living at the time. Two daughters, Verla Marie Herschell and Dayle Ann Herschell were born in Portland. His son, William Bruce Herschell was born in 1958, while Swede was running the bakery in Heppner, Oregon. Both his wife, Eleanor, and son, Bruce, preceded him in death in April 1987 and June 2004. In 1964 the family moved back to Kansas and have been residents in Tecumseh since that time. Swede worked for Champney Wrecking Company, retiring after 28 years. He was an avid fisherman and deer hunter. Known as a "jack of all trades", Swede knew cars and trucks best and spent much of his career as a mechanic. He retired in 1986 to care for his wife, Eleanor, who was fighting a losing battle with cancer. In 1979 his son Bruce fell and lived as a quadriplegic until he too, crossed over in June 2004. Swede is survived by a sister, Iona Spencer of Big Springs, and two daughters, Verla and Dayle of Topeka and Tecumseh, and plenty of nieces and nephews. He will be buried in the Clinton Lake cemetery beside his wife and son where he will be able to watch the sunrise/sunset over the lake and walk down to the lake to fish whenever he wants.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Newcomer Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to S.C.A.R.S., P.O. Box 22 Auburn, KS 66401, Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, or to the organization of the donor's choice.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerTopeka.com.