Norman Wiemken

Defiance - Norman George Wiemken, 81, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, November 29, 2025. He was born on September 2, 1944, to the late Antone and Wilhelmina (Lienau) Wiemken, in Napoleon, Ohio. On April 29, 1967, he married Kathleen Behnfeldt at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Okolona and spent a loving 58 years together.

Norm was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Okolona and was involved in various activities and positions. He was part of the dart ball, softball, and bowling teams, as well as past president, janitor, cemetery committee and many other roles over the years for the church. Norm proudly served his country in the United States Army, and was a member of the Ridgeville American Legion, Post 454, where he served as Commander. He worked as a project superintendent for Mel Lanzer Company in Napoleon for most of his career. Norm was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland Browns. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and supporting them during their many sporting events. Norm was a 1962 graduate of Jewell High School, but in his later years, he also was a Northeastern Local/Tinora school board member. In his free time, Norm enjoyed solitaire, as well as playing a good game of cards with anyone who was willing to play.

Norman is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; children, Tony (AnnaLisa) Wiemken, Jeffrey (Patricia) Wiemken, Eric (Nikki) Wiemken; grandchildren, Lily, Courtney, Isaac, and Haley Wiemken, Brett (Eadyn Miller) Wiemken, Audrey (Andrew) Caster, and Brock Wiemken, Ellie, Abby and Evie Wiemken; one great grandson on the way, due in February; brother, Henry (Rose Marie) Wiemken; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Norm is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brittany Wiemken; and siblings, Dorothy Gerken, Fred Wiemken, Edward Wiemken, Louisa Blue, and Elmina Backhaus.

Funeral services for Norm will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Okolona, at 11 a.m. Friends and family will be received at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, on Thursday, December 4, from 3 p.m.-8 p.m., as well as from 10am until the time of services on Friday at the church. Interment will follow immediately after the service at the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by Ridgeville Legion, Post 454. In lieu of flowers, memorials may directed towards Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sufficient Grace Ministries, and Interim Healthcare and Hospice of Lima. Online condolences may also be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.