Norman E. Frisk

Norman E. "Norm" Frisk, age 96, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 1, 2018 at his home of 51 years, just as he wanted. He was born May 24, 1922 to Carl and Marie (Yahnke) Frisk in Toledo. Norm was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School in 1940. He began his studies at the University of Toledo while working part time for Owens Illinois. With the advent of WWII he joined the Army Reserve unit in order to finish his studies, however, that was short lived and the unit was activated. Norm attended infantry basic training, then shifted to the Army Air Corps of Engineers where he attended Engineer Basic Training, followed by volunteering for Officer Candidate School. Upon OCS graduation he was assigned to Alaska where he served his country on Adak Island and Point Barrow, his last assignment as 1st Lieutenant.

After the war, Norm went back to work for Owens Illinois part time and completed his Chemical Engineering degree at the University of Toledo. He met his wife, Dr. Julie Palm, and was married in 1948 until her death in 2016. Norm was hired full time as a Chemical Engineer by Owens Illinois. He was assigned Chief Refractory Engineer and traveled extensively throughout the world including Japan, South America, Europe and North America troubleshooting glass furnaces. Norm had many interests that included but, not limited to Roman/Greek history, Native Americans, railroads and of course engineering projects, and often went out of his way to see various ancient aqueducts and bridges, a passion that once ended up saving his life. During a business trip to California, he opted to take later flight in order to see the "New Disneyland." This last minute decision ended up saving his life, since the flight he was originally scheduled for crashed into the Grand Canyon on June 30, 1956. Norm's hobbies also included birds and wildlife in the local neighborhood, and weekly trips to the Toledo Public Library that continued up until a few years before his death.

Left to cherish Norman's memory are his loving children, William Frisk, Robert (Wendy) Frisk, Ann Frisk, John Frisk, Thomas (Jackie) Frisk, Sr. and Mary (John) Coffman; grandchildren, Sarah, James (Mika), Thomas Jr., Claire and Joseph Frisk; former daughters-in-law, Linda Heineman and Janis Sankowski; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Julie Frisk; a sister Margaret "Midge" McIlhargie and two brothers, Harold and Roy.

The family would also like to especially thank Carla, Jan, Sam and Barb along with Ohio Living Hospice for the care given to Norm the past couple years.

The family will receive guests on Monday, December 10, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Newcomer – Southwest Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900) with Funeral Services beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider The Toledo Lucas County Public Library for bridge and railroad history books.

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