Norman F. Weinlein

Norman F. Weinlein, 96, died April 30, 2025 in Riverview, FL, rejoining his beloved wife, Rosemary, after a separation of three years. Norm was born April 3, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisc., to Arthur and Louise Weinlein. He graduated from Washington High School and Marquette University in Milwaukee—becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. He served his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, deployed to the 307th Bomb Wing as part of a B-29 crew, as an instructor-navigator, and as a navigator aboard a KC-97 refueling tanker. He called his five years in the service a positive experience and considered making a career of the military. But, following the death of his mother, he returned home after the war to help take care of his family. During this time he built a cabin cruiser with his brother-in-law, Ray, and they enjoyed exploring Wisconsin’s lakes together for many years. After working during his high school and college years as a short order cook at the downtown Boston Store in Milwaukee, Norm took a job in the accounting department of the Heil Co., while still an undergraduate. That led to a very successful career of 43 years with the company, culminating in his position as Chief Financial Officer and Controller. Over the years, Norm came to know every aspect of the business and introduced many efficiencies to the company, including leading an innovative transition from a main frame computing system to mini-computers in the mid-1980s. On a blind date 63 years ago, he met Rosemary Wineske, whom he wed in 1964. Happily married for 58 years, they had two children, Sue and Steve. In 1984, the family moved from Milwaukee to Signal Mountain, Tenn., before retirement brought the couple to Florida in 1997. In his later years, Norm enjoyed spending summers with Rosemary at their Milwaukee condo, reconnecting with beloved family and favorite places in the Midwest. Norm was a keen investor, computer enthusiast, and lover of gadgets. As a youth he enjoyed camping and fishing with his father, uncles, friends; later he developed a love of golf, spending countless happy hours on the golf course. He enjoyed traveling with Rosemary (except perhaps for that short-lived RV experiment) and even closer to home was an avid people watcher. In his late 80s, Norm was affected by health issues and dementia. But throughout this difficult period, he remained upbeat and remarkably resilient. He loved to share his many stories with his family. His cheerful demeanor and candid remarks made him a favorite with caregivers to the very end of his life. Norm is survived by his children Sue (Burton Davis) Weinlein and Steve (Tim Schmidt) Weinlein; sister Joyce Sabinash; nieces Ellen Sabinash, Diane (Dave) Ferris, Mary (Len) Meier, Eileen (Ron) Petri; nephews Bob (Mary) Sabinash, Mike Sabinash [Wendi Sabinash], and Bob Garber; plus 10 great-nieces and nephews and five great-great-nieces and nephews. Norm was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, and his brother-in-law, Ray Sabinash. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who loved Norm to consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Visitation Thursday, May 15 from 10:00-11:45 AM at ST. MARY CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY (9520 W. Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners) followed by the celebration of Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon. Inurnment with Committal Service will be held Friday, May 16 at 2:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery (7301 West Nash St., Milwaukee)(PLEASE MEET AT CEMETERY ENTRANCE). Rozga Funeral & Cremation Services Rozga-Walloch Chapel 414-281-7145