Norman B. Camenker
Norman B. Camenker, 90, of Lake Nebagamon, died Aug., 30, 2014, at his residence.
Norman Burton Camenker was born on June 28, 1924, in St Paul to Louis and Alice (Gorkin) Camenker.
Norman spent his youth in Duluth, and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1942.
He attended the University of Minnesota, leaving to join the Army Air Corps in WWII.
Following his service in WWII, he returned to work with his father at the Tip Top Market in Duluth. When the St. Lawrence Seaway opened he started the Duluth Superior Ship Chandlery. The business prospered for many years, as his company serviced “the salty’s” in port.
His business skills prompted the opening of several other successful companies.
Following brain surgery in 1970, he became paralyzed on the right side of his body which also left him with minimal speech. Although physical challenges would have slowed a weaker man, Norman continued his work.
On Sept. 7, 1973, Norman married Dona Wangerin, the love of his life. Norman and Dona shared 41 happy and wonderful years together. They traveled the world together and shared many business interests. In retirement years they wintered in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and summered in Lake Nebagamon, Wis.
One of Norman’s many famous phrases was telling others to “Work Hard.” His many friends and associates loved and respected him greatly.
He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate, Dona Camenker; his three sons, Brian (Sue), Jordan (Kay) and Neil Camenker; and eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Noah, Nicholas, Sasha, Moriah, Grace & Garrett Camenker and Laura Hanaford.
Visitation: Thursday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave. Burial will be in Lake Nebagamon Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post No. 435.
Pallbearers will be David Wangerin, Dan Wangerin, Garrett Camenker, Noah Camenker, Jim Spallacci and Doug Nelson.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Mayo Clinic or Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospice.
To sign the online guestbook or send condolences please visit
www.downs
fh.com.
