Norbert Dale “Swede” Herschell

Funeral services for Norbert Dale “Swede” Herschell, 85, Tecumseh, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Newcomer Funeral Home in Topeka. Burial will be at Clinton Lake Cemetery. Mr. Herschell died Monday, Dec. 15, 2008. He was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Topeka, the son of George Clark and Bessie Luella Glenn Herschell. He was raised in and around Topeka and Lecompton. After he married he moved from Topeka to Portland, Ore., then returned to Kansas in 1964 and had lived in Tecumseh since. He served from 1943 to 1945 as a private first class in the infantry division of the Army, where he learned bakery skills. He later opened a bakery in Heppner, Ore. He was a member of the American Legion.Mr. Herschell also worked for Champney Wrecking Company, retiring after 28 years. He was an avid fisherman and deer hunter. Known as a “jack of all trades,” he spent much of his career as an auto mechanic. He retired in 1986 to care for his wife, who was fighting cancer.He married Eleanor Marie Blevins on Sept. 12, 1949. She died in 1987.He was also preceded in death by a son, William Bruce, in June 2004.Survivors include a sister, Iona Spencer, Big Springs; two daughters, Verla Marie, Topeka, and Dayle Ann, Tecumseh; and many nieces and nephews.The family will meet friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the funeral home.The family suggests memorials to S.C.A.R.S., P.O. Box 22 Auburn, KS 66401, Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.Online condolences may be sent at newcomertopeka.com.