Norman was born December 2, 1926, on a farm near Dodge, Nebraska to John and Lena (Dirkschneider) Mendlik.  He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Academy at Olean and was a 1944 graduate of Dodge High School. Norman served in the US Army during WWII. On September 23, 1948, Norman married Verena Knobbe at St. Boniface Catholic Church at Monterey. The couple lived and raised their family in Dodge while Norman built a 43 year, award winning career, as an agent with Franklin Life Insurance Company.  

Norman served as Dodge mayor for 7 years, on the Town Board for 16 years, on the Volunteer Fire Department for13 years and helped form the Dodge Development Corporation.  He pitched and coached baseball, leading them to two state American Legion championships.  He enjoyed playing golf and sports, playing cards and spending time with family. 
  
Norman was a member of and served as Eucharist Minister at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dodge, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Elkhorn.  He belonged to the Dodge American Legion and the Archdiocese of Omaha Committee for Development.

Survivors include sons; John of Lincoln, Jim (Joan) of Omaha, Paul (Patty) of Waterloo, and Steve (Chris) of Omaha, daughters; Barbara (fiancé Paul Knapp) Scott of Fremont, Lois (Dan) Harris of Homer, Meg (Gary) Roberson of Silver Lake, KS, Geri (Alvin) Kobes of Omaha, and Theresa (Kevin) Cole of Omaha, brother Marion (Gladys) Mendlik of Lincoln, sisters; Alma Dostal of Fremont, Delma (Norbert) Pieper of Lincoln, and Doris (Dennis) Kreikemeier of West Point, 27 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Verena, in 2009, his parents, sister and brother in law Rita (Ed) Dworak, and brother and sisters in law Denis (Delores and Alverna) Mendlik.