The Life of Norbert Ruskamp
Norbert John Ruskamp was born June 14, 1930 in rural Cuming County, Dodge, NE to Lorenz and Elizabeth (Oesselke) Ruskamp. He attended Sared Heart Academy, Olean through the 8th grade. He farmed with his father and brother, Irvin, prior to being drafted in the United States Army.
On September 27, 1956 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Peitzmeier at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Aloys (rural West Point, NE). They had seven children: Jeanette, Eileen, Carol, Thomas, Randal, Bernard and Christopher. Norbert and sons, Tom and Randy continued farming, raising livestock and crops for many years. Norbert and Mary Ann retired to Dodge, NE in 2000, but Norbert, if possible, would go to the farm every day. He always said, "he would rather wear out than rust out." For entertainment, he enjoyed bowling and playing cards with family and friends. He also enjoyed following the school sport's games of his children and grandchildren.
Norbert was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Olean, serving as a trustee, parish council member and was on the church grounds mowing cirlce for approximately 60 years. Norbert has been a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters since 1940, serving as financial secretary for over 25 years and was a recipient of the Legion of Honor Award in 2007; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Countil #5439 in Howells, NE. Norbert was also a member of the Dodge American Legion Post #122 and Dodge Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8597, marching in many fair parades and serving on many military honor details for funerals. He served on the Cooperative Supply Board in Dodge for six years.
Norbert passed away on February 17, 2013.