Norman Benz

Benz, Norman MADISON - Norman Benz, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007, at University Hospital. He was born on Jan. 10, 1924, in Milwaukee, the son of Norman and Julia (Hauser) Benz. He grew up in West Allis and joined the Army Air Force shortly after graduating from high school. He became a fighter pilot and flew P-47s in Europe. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as well as the Purple Heart. After the war he attended the University of Wisconsin where he obtained engineering and business degrees. On May 26, 1951, he married Katherine Prichard at Takoma Park, Md. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Madison. He became associated with Hooper Construction Corporation in 1950 and worked there until he retired in 1986. He served as president his last eight years at Hooper. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; three children, Laura (James) Egan of Eden Prairie, Minn., Wendy Benz (Bryan Biggers) of Madison, and Deborah (Kurt) Boettcher of Seymour; seven grandchildren, Paul (Megan), Sara and Jeff (fiancee, Tiffany) Egan, Carl and Eric Biggers, Brent (fiancee, Stephany) and Blake Boettcher; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, at 3 p.m. at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1609 University Ave., with the Rev. Eldonna Hazen presiding with military rites being held. Visitation will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Inurnment will be held in Highland Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank the staff of the UW Cardiac ICU for all of their special care and concern.