In Memory Of
Norman Glenn Schiesser
1938
2023
Norman Glenn Schiesser
March 27, 1938 — June 7, 2023
Norman Glenn Schiesser, 85, of Topeka, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 7, 2023, after a decades-long struggle with cancer. Norman was living with his daughter, Sharon Schiesser, and her husband who were at his bedside when he passed.
He was born March 27, 1938, in Eskridge, Kansas, the son of Delbert Glenn and Blanche Lucille (Simmons) Schiesser.
Norman married Janet Donald on October 28, 1961, in Hutchinson, Kansas. They were married for 60 years. Janet preceded him in death on June 5, 2022.
He is survived by their daughters, Kerin Marie Schiesser of Vallejo, California, Sharon Dee Schiesser (Stewart Eells) of Topeka, and Robin Leigh Schiesser (Robert Volpe) of Seattle, Washington, and his brother, Harold Schiesser (Hidy Obourn) of Jupiter, Florida.
Norman was cremated and inurnment was performed June 28th, 2023, with his daughters present at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave, in Topeka, where he joins Janet.
He graduated from Topeka High School in 1956 where he later returned as a teacher. He enlisted in the Army National Guard as a high school junior and served 6 years.
Norman received a B.S. in Chemistry from Sterling College in 1960, and an M.S. in Physical Science Education from Emporia State University. Although his area of concentration was science, his artistic talent was evident in drawings and paintings he made while at Sterling. He was a lover of big band and bluegrass music and played the trumpet and banjo in his earlier days.
Norman taught high school algebra and chemistry for 16 years, first at Soldier High School for three years and then Topeka High School, where he was also an assistant track coach and videographer for the basketball team. During the summers he worked for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway as a Switchman, Fireman, and Brakeman. In 1978 he became a full-time Locomotive Engineer for Santa Fe, subsequently Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, which he enjoyed for more than twenty years.
In his younger days Norman enjoyed scuba diving and camping. In their retirement, he and Janet loved traveling to participate in arts education programs in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, and Pingree Park, Colorado. Norman excelled at pottery, creating many beautiful pieces that are treasured by his friends and family. He also enjoyed nature photography and riding his bicycle on the trails around Topeka.
It was Norman's wish to have an AA Celebration of Life. Memories and stories will be shared on what would have been the 32nd anniversary of his sobriety, August 25, 2023, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas. The celebration will be held in the downstairs classroom, the site of one of his favorite AA meetings.
Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers Norman and his family encourage donations to organizations he supported. AA members may donate directly to their home groups. Topeka AA members may donate here (make sure your group number is on the check):
District 8 Treasurer
PO Box 4751
Topeka, KS 66604
Others wishing to honor his memory may contribute to any local support group of their choice, or to:
The Topeka Rescue Mission
401 NW Norris St
Topeka, KS 66608
If you feel you may have a problem with alcohol or addiction, find FAQs and support: here. If your life is or has been affected by a loved one's drinking or addiction, find support: here.
To leave a message of condolence for Norman's family or to share a special memory of Norman, visit the guestbook below. The family deeply appreciates any and all stories and memories shared.
He was born March 27, 1938, in Eskridge, Kansas, the son of Delbert Glenn and Blanche Lucille (Simmons) Schiesser.
Norman married Janet Donald on October 28, 1961, in Hutchinson, Kansas. They were married for 60 years. Janet preceded him in death on June 5, 2022.
He is survived by their daughters, Kerin Marie Schiesser of Vallejo, California, Sharon Dee Schiesser (Stewart Eells) of Topeka, and Robin Leigh Schiesser (Robert Volpe) of Seattle, Washington, and his brother, Harold Schiesser (Hidy Obourn) of Jupiter, Florida.
Norman was cremated and inurnment was performed June 28th, 2023, with his daughters present at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave, in Topeka, where he joins Janet.
He graduated from Topeka High School in 1956 where he later returned as a teacher. He enlisted in the Army National Guard as a high school junior and served 6 years.
Norman received a B.S. in Chemistry from Sterling College in 1960, and an M.S. in Physical Science Education from Emporia State University. Although his area of concentration was science, his artistic talent was evident in drawings and paintings he made while at Sterling. He was a lover of big band and bluegrass music and played the trumpet and banjo in his earlier days.
Norman taught high school algebra and chemistry for 16 years, first at Soldier High School for three years and then Topeka High School, where he was also an assistant track coach and videographer for the basketball team. During the summers he worked for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway as a Switchman, Fireman, and Brakeman. In 1978 he became a full-time Locomotive Engineer for Santa Fe, subsequently Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, which he enjoyed for more than twenty years.
In his younger days Norman enjoyed scuba diving and camping. In their retirement, he and Janet loved traveling to participate in arts education programs in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, and Pingree Park, Colorado. Norman excelled at pottery, creating many beautiful pieces that are treasured by his friends and family. He also enjoyed nature photography and riding his bicycle on the trails around Topeka.
It was Norman's wish to have an AA Celebration of Life. Memories and stories will be shared on what would have been the 32nd anniversary of his sobriety, August 25, 2023, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas. The celebration will be held in the downstairs classroom, the site of one of his favorite AA meetings.
Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers Norman and his family encourage donations to organizations he supported. AA members may donate directly to their home groups. Topeka AA members may donate here (make sure your group number is on the check):
District 8 Treasurer
PO Box 4751
Topeka, KS 66604
Others wishing to honor his memory may contribute to any local support group of their choice, or to:
The Topeka Rescue Mission
401 NW Norris St
Topeka, KS 66608
If you feel you may have a problem with alcohol or addiction, find FAQs and support: here. If your life is or has been affected by a loved one's drinking or addiction, find support: here.
To leave a message of condolence for Norman's family or to share a special memory of Norman, visit the guestbook below. The family deeply appreciates any and all stories and memories shared.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norman Glenn Schiesser, please visit our flower store.
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