Norman Henry Fabian
April 27, 1919 - January 15, 2012

Norman H. Fabian (1919 2012)

ROCHESTER, MINN: Norman H. Fabian Norm, 92, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012 at St. Marys Hospital.

Norm was born April 27, 1919 to Henry and Emma (Bunke) Fabian. He was born and raised in Wilson, Minn., a small farming community near Winona. They raised crops and work horses. As a young man, he went off to World War II where he spent much of his military career in France and England. As a member of the 1st United States Army Band organized overseas, he played first trumpet in his outfits ten-piece orchestra. Together, the outfit played for Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, during their service.

Much of Norms adult life was lived in Milwaukee, Wis., where he attended Concordia College. He worked for Our Saviors Lutheran Church and then became a lay chaplain for Sunrise Home for the Blind. Norm returned to Rochester, Minn., where he joined Bethel Lutheran Church, read for the Radio Reader Program, and delivered medicine to the elderly for the Medicine Shoppe.

Norm was an articulate speaker, enjoyed writing and was dedicated to his work and service to the people. Always optimistic and determined, his humanitarian efforts were of great importance to him.

Norm is survived by his daughter, Kathy Lichterman (Gabriel Peltier); former son-in-law of 30 years, David Lichterman; granddaughters Rachel and Megan Lichterman; and sister, Marjorie Young; nieces and nephews. Norm was preceded in death by his first wife, Florence Serwa Fabian; second wife, Elizabeth Struhar Fabian; his parents, brother and sister.

The family wanted to recognize the wonderful health care Norm received at Red Wing Health Center located in Red Wing, Minn., and at Mayo-St. Marys Hospital and Mayo Clinics.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, at Bethel Lutheran Church at 810 3rd Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service. Arrangements entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

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