Mr. Norman E. Meiser, 95, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 6:53 AM on Wednesday, November 25 , 2015 at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

On August 21 , 1920, Norman Earl was born southeast of Rochester, the  treasured son of Charles and Etta Overmyer Meiser.  Living nearly a century in the Rochester community, he shared his childhood with an older brother Rolland.  As a junior floor general, play-making guard for the  RHS basketball team, Norman helped the  Zebras ascend to the final four in 1937.  The Zebras were beaten by legendary coach John Wooden's  South Bend Central team.  Norm graduated from Rochester High School in 1938.

Following high school  Norm attended Ball State University to study forestry.  He also entered the ROTC program.  Patriotism beckoned, a World War II veteran, Norman answered the call activating his membership with the United States Army Air Corps.  A man of great bravery, Norm took his position in the nose of the plane behind a machine gun in a B-24 Liberator.  He was also charged, as the bombardier, with strategically dropping bombs with strike force accuracy.  Stories of those daring memories, were shared by Norm in flight, amazingly close to the enemy.  After 32 successful missions, and many brushes with destiny,  2nd Lt. Norman E. Meiser was honorably discharged.

Norman and Lillian Camille Thompson were married on May 4 , 1946 in Rochester. Together they shared  nearly 45 years of life's adventures.  From their union came two sons David and Michael.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of  five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

With a strong work ethic, during his early years Norm worked for Studebaker  Corporation in South Bend.   He later returned  to Rochester's Sealed Power, retiring after many years of service.  In addition he maintained his farming operation.

As a true man of the land at home on Green Tree farm, Norm  enjoyed a lifelong passion of agriculture.  They bred and raised a fine herd of Black Angus and Herefords.  Seated atop his shiny red Farmall, the only thing better than the scent of fresh turned soil in the spring was the autumn harvest.  Annually Norm and Camille planted a truck patch garden.  They shared the bountiful harvest, which always included asparagus, with family, friends and neighbors---even sharing with friends in Greenwood.

Norman is survived by two sons: David Meiser and wife Mary Sue of Greenwood, and Michael Meiser of Rochester; 5 grandchildren: Heather Meiser, James Meiser and wife Lindy of Greenwood, Matt Meiser and wife Gretchen, Michael Meiser, Amy Vance and husband Derrick all of Rochester; 9 great grandchildren: Jakob Coss and Belle Meiser of Greenwood, Aaron Meiser, Nolan, Gavin and Maddox Lahrman, Andre Meiser, Xavier and Greyson Vance, all of Rochester.

Preceding Norman in death are his parents, beloved wife Camille on March 12 , 1991 and brother Rolland Meiser.

Private family services will be held.  Pastor Jimmy Calhoun will officiate.  Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Army Honor Guard.   Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.  Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the donor's choice.