Norman McBride

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Norman Lee McBride, 76, of Naperville, Illinois, passed away at his home on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.

He was born on Aug. 31, 1948, to Howard and Pauline (Smith) McBride. He grew up in the country near Helmer, Indiana.

"Norm" attended Fairfield Elementary School and then graduated from Ashley High School in 1966, as president of his class. He was always willing to help his dad in construction, and his grandparents and neighbors in the fields during the summer. That's where a strong work ethic was learned. He played guitar in a band during his teen years with his close friends and first cousin, Alan Knisely. Their band was called the "Tribesmen".

He was a member of Angola Seventh-Day Adventist Church in his youth and continued to be active in the Adventist Churches throughout his life. At his passing he attended Downers Grove Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Illinois. He was always willing to share his Christian faith.

During the draft era of the Vietnam War, Norman served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, as a Company Medic in Vietnam, for the First Calvary, Company D, Fifth Battalion. He was awarded a Purple Heart, two Bronze stars, a combat medical badge, Army Commendation Medal, air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, valorous unit emblems and the Vietnam Service Medal. He (nickname Doc) spent nine months in the "Tet Offensive" massive attacks. Norm was wounded during this time trying to save his fallen comrades. He credited 1st Lt. James M. Sprayberry for saving his life and other wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

After he returned home from the war, Norm married Nancy Schwerin from Angola, Indiana. They were married for 36 years. They have a son, Lance McBride and two grandchildren.

Norm attended Andrews University at Berrien Springs, Michigan, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of Missouri in 1977.

His work history included hospital positions in California, Maine, Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, Colorado, and Illinois.

In 2011, he married Ruby (Ramos) McBride. At the time of his death, they had celebrated 14 years together.

Survivors also include his son, Lance; grandson, Sean; granddaughter, Maeve; nephews, Jeff and Brian McBride; three stepchildren, Jennifer Mowry, Andrew Wyzkiewicz and Jessica Wyzkiewicz; and three step-grandchildren, Cora, Logan and Margot Mowry.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Ross and Judy McBride; grandparents, Paul and Blanche Smith and Luther and Effie McBride; and niece, Brenda McBride.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug, 30, 2025, fro 4-7 p.m., at Ashley Masonic Lodge, 233 W. Hobart St., Ashley, Indiana.

A service will be held at 4 p.m., with Elder Mark Williams from Angola Seventh-Day Adventis Church.

Burial with Military Honors will be on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, located at 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to DeKalb County Humane Shelter, 5730 C.R. 11A, Auburn, IN 46706 or Angola Seventh-Day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 495, Angola, IN 46703.