Norman Paul Katzaman, age 94, of North Heidelberg Twp. passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the Reading Hospital.
He was born in Jackson Township, Lebanon County on October 30, 1926 to his parents Clayton W. & Helen R. Dietrich.
He is predeceased by his wife of 31 years, Ella P. (Nye) (Reber) Katzaman.
He is survived by his son, Dale H. Reber and his wife Janice S. (Haag) Reber, with whom he resided. He is also survived by his step daughter, Faye M., wife of George Ludwig Jr., 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 15 great great grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his son, Harold W Reber, and his siblings, Clarence C Katzaman, Elsie Geib, Grace Schnee, Carl Katzaman, and Erma Schock
Norman served in the US Marine Corp. from 1948 to 1959, being honorably discharged as a Gunnery Sergeant.
Norman served first at Camp Delmar, California where he was trained as a field teletype. He was then stationed at San Diego California, before serving in Korea during the Korean War with the 1st Marine Division at the battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He was a telegraph lineman, running the first lines of communication for the Marine camps, and always recalled running three miles back to camp with the chinese shooting at his feet for fun to keep him running. Wounded later on in Korea, when his truck rolled over on him, he was transported to Japan, where he recuperated before being sent back stateside. He later served in Hawaii, remembering fondly of the pineapple fields and all the ripe pineapples they were allowed to eat from the fields.
He was then transferred to Quantico, and while stationed there served as the Honor Guard at President Eisenhower's inauguration.
He received the National Defense Metal, Good Conduct Medal W/2, Korean Service Medal W/3, The Presidential Unit Citation W/1, UN Service Medal, Korean PUC.
Upon his return home in 1960, he worked at The Wernersville State hospital as a cook, for 30 years, retiring in 1990 as Chief Cook.
He was an avid baseball fan & nascar fan, attending many races with his family. He loved deep sea fishing with his son and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and his cat Chloe.
Burial will be private at Heidelberg Cemetery, Robesonia.
Cole Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Robesonia is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Dr., Lancaster, PA 17603 or to the American Heart Assn., 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603.
Online condolences may be made at www.ColeFH.com
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