Norman F. Wodtke

Norman Frances Wodtke

Born May 4th, 1924 in Indianapolis Indiana, Norman Frances Wodtke passed away 10/1/2021. He was the son of Edward Christ Wodtke and Helen Alberta Wodtke (Oswald)
His wife, Dolly Marie (Allender) preceding him in 2017. They were married for 67 years, having met on a blind date, both falling in Love and then becoming later married December 31st, 1949.

He is survived by two sons, one daughter-in-law, and one sister: Charles J. Wodtke, Stephen E. & Carolyn (Lori) Wodtke, all of Avon Indiana, and sister Florence M. Kreiger, of Indianapolis Indiana. Norman is also survived by five Grandchildren: Dan (Kelly), Diana (Chris), Heather (J.R.), Jayson (Holly) and Derek (Jamie) and six Great Grandchildren: Hailey, Colton, Charlie, Ruby, Lincoln, and Jolene.

Norman was preceded in his passing by several Brothers and Sisters. They are: Lucille H. (1920- 2017), Orville E. (1923-1995), Edna B. (1926-2005) and James H. (1927-1940).

Norman was the son of a First-Generation American father, and a second-generation American mother, both of which come from steep Germanic ancestry and Faith. He was born, baptized, and raised Catholic, attending Saint Catherine of Sienna Church and grade school, and them Manual High School.

Graduating mid-term his senior year in December 1943, he joined the US Navy and attended boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Center in Chicago. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the new USS Yorktown (CV-10), an Essex class Carrier in final stages of construction. He shipped out with her first shakedown cruise, and through all commissioning exercises, with the “Fighting Lady” until being commissioned April 15th, 1943. He then sailed with her through the Panama Canal, to Pearl Harbor, and then into the South Pacific with the fight against the Japanese in WWII.

Following the war, Norman became a pilot fulfilling his desire to be a pilot during WW2. In 1950 GM’s Allison Engine Company hired him. He tested jet engines and in the late 60’s became a Power House Engineer for the newly formed Detroit Diesel Allison division of GM. He retired from Detroit Diesel Allison in 1986 while continuing to enjoy the Moose Lodge, Lake Melissa and the VFW with his wife Dolly, dancing and socializing with all their many friends. He remained faithful to the Catholic Church, and enjoyed family gatherings and lots of euchre card games.

Services will be held in Indianapolis Saturday October 9th at Flanner and Buchanan Washington Park North, 2702 Kessler Blvd West Drive. Viewing will be 11:00 till 1:00pm, with services immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to Wounded Warrior Project in his memory.