Norman J. Symons, age 87 of Shawano, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013 in Shawano. Born on January 20, 1926 in Duluth, MN, he was the son of the late W. Norman and Lillian (Libert) Symons. Norman was raised in the Oconto area and graduated from Oconto High School. After graduation, Norman enlisted with the United States Navy and served with the 135th Navy Seabees in the South Pacific for three years during World War II. He married the former Ruth Marie Otto at the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Norman was employed by Wisconsin Bell for 38 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, American Legion Post #117, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bay Area Humane Society, and the Veterans of the 135th NCB WWII. Norman was an avid skier and loved taking walks and traveling. Norman is survived by: a sister, Phyllis Whipple of Kearney, MO, a sister-in-law, Wendy Symons of Prim, AR; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Norman was preceded in death by: his wife, Ruth on April 18, 2012; his daughter, Judy; his parents; 2 brothers, Dale and Tom; and a brother-in-law, Bob Whipple. Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Mr. Richard Menning officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117 at the funeral home following the service. Inurnment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Cottages Memory Care Unit and to the nurses at Unity Hospice for the wonderful care given to Norman. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com