FROM THE POST-TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 19, 2006:

NORMAN NEITZEL Age 58, passed away Friday, October 13, 2006 at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Norman Neitzel was born to Harold and Helen (Medvecz) Neitzel on July 14, 1948, in Hobart, Indiana. Norman, a devout Catholic, was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton where he was a long time usher and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a very loving and caring individual who loved his family, relatives and friends unconditionally. Norman will be greatly missed by all whose life he touched. Norman attended high school in Hobart, Indiana and graduated from Indiana State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He moved to Odessa, Texas in 1971 where he taught Biology at Crockett Junior High. He then began a career in oilfield related businesses. At the time of his death, Norman was self-employed as a consultant for oil pipeline businesses. Norman enjoyed many hobbies. He loved to fish at Lake Amistad where he taught many of his relatives to fish and how to drive his boat. He also loved pulling the kids on the water on the Ski Bob. Norman was an avid Lionel train collector. He set up his train around the Christmas tree every year for the kids and adults to enjoy. Norman loved to build things for his family and friends. One of his favorite past times was spending time with his grandkids. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandson Alix and granddaughter Averi. They ran errands, worked on projects and he was even teaching Alix to cook. There were two football teams that Norman followed: Notre Dame and the Dallas Cowboys. Norman's favorite hobby was spending time with family and friends. He loved to cook for them.

Norman leaves behind his wife of 23 years Debra Neitzel, his mother Helen Medvecz Neitzel, his children: Kari Smith and husband Dustin of Denver, Colorado; Katja Garcia and husband Lupe of Odessa, and Kent Keitzel of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Averi Garcia, Norman Alixander Garcia, Amari Garcia all of Odessa and Hannah Smith and Isabella Smith of Denver, Colorado; his sister, Gail Fagert and husband Rod, numerous nieces and nephews and many in-laws that loved him like a brother. His father, Harold Neitzel, his sisters, Gwen O'Brien and Janet Green, his in-laws Ralph and Viola Jimenez and his nephew Zachary Moreno, preceded Norman in death. The family would like to thank Mark, Lisa, Brandy and Kyle Fagert for the care and support of Norman during his many stays at M.D. Anderson.

A rosary will be said at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2006 at 1:00 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Woodruff officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the West Texas Cancer Center, Gifts of Hope, 600 N. Grant, Odessa, Texas 79761 or the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas, 77210-4486. Services are entrusted to Martinez-Smith Funeral Chapels & Crematory.

This information was obtained from: http://legacy.post-trib.com/obituaries/posttribune/obituary.aspx?n=Norman-Neitzel&pid=19617379.