Norman A. Bidlack

Norman A. Bidlack, 88, of Van Wert, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

He was born June 28, 1927, in Paulding County, the son of Noble G. and Nancy Ann (Matson) Bidlack, who both preceded him in death. On August 20, 1950, he married Mary C. (Martin) Bidlack, who survives in Van Wert.

Other surviving family include two children, Nancy A. (Kent) Bowen of Angola, Indiana, and Susan K. (Robert) Brubaker of Van Wert; a brother, Noble G. Bidlack of Continental; four sisters, Marcille Porter Britton of Defiance, Ellen (Walter) Carnahan of Oakwood, Juanita (Howard) Vogelsang of Defiance, and Francis (LeRoy) Heidenescher of North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Janet Bidlack of Ottawa; and four grandchildren, Alison (Blaine) Cooper-Surma, Alexis Bowen, Luke Brubaker, and Leah Brubaker.

A son, Dennis A. Bidlack (at age 10), and one brother, Orville Bidlack, also preceded him in death.

Mr. Bidlack was a journeyman electrician with Gorman Electric for over 35 years, was a partner with D.L. Communications CB Radios, and did Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-required communications work for Van Wert County Regional Airport.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Van Wert, where he held many church offices through the years. He was a military veteran who served in Germany during the Korean Conflict era and was a life member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for more than 60 years.

Norman and Mary traveled to all 50 states and throughout the world together. He also restored antique radios for many years. He was a caring and committed Christian who loved his family and friends dearly. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 9, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Dr. Seeyong Lee and Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, with military honors rendered by combined units of Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, also in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 8, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, and an hour prior to services at the church.

Preferred memorials: Wesley United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.