Obituaries

WHOOPEE NORM Edlebeck

Oct 22, 1939 - Mar 08, 2020

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Norman Leo Edlebeck departed from this earth on Sunday, March 8, 2020 in Marinette, Wisconsin. Norm was the son of Joseph and Rhea (Bentley) Edlebeck , born on October 22, 1939 in Wausaukee, Wisconsin. Norm loved music and started a three piece band at age 18 in 1957, in which he played accordion, his brother Bill on drums and a cousin on guitar/banjo. They played for many weddings and small parties in the area. He acquired the name “Whoopee” at age 8 by his family and friends, due to his admiration for polka king, Whoopee John. Norm went on to become the infamous 10 piece band, Whoopee Norm Edlebeck And His Dairyland Dutchmen. Norm played for decades throughout the United States at various dance halls and festivals, as well as having a Saturday morning polka radio show in Marinette for many years. Polka music was his true love! Norm also worked for over 30 years at the Wausaukee Post Office, retiring in 1992. He also owned a Dog n Suds Restaurant and Laundromat in Wausaukee.

In 1993, Norm moved to New Ulm, Minnesota, where he also opened a Laundromat and continued to play band gigs and festivals.

Norm is survived by his brother, Bill (Trudy) Edlebeck of Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has two daughters, Kimberlee Schneider (Peter) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Erica Penkert (James) of St. Peter, Minnesota. He has seven grandchildren: Philip (Amanda), Matthew, Marissa and Eric Schneider and Grace, Bianca, and Cora Penkert. Norm had a loving companion in his later years, Carol Seivert, who also survives him. He is preceded in death by his brother Charles; his sister, Marlene Lewandowski (Stanley); first wife, Donna Edlebeck as well as his second wife, Kathrin Edlebeck.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 1-3:00pm at Roubal Funeral Home. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, immediately after.

Roubal Funeral Home of Wausaukee is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visitation

Sunday Mar 15, 2020, 1:00p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Roubal Funeral Home [map]

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Guestbook Entries

Francés A. Lerma ( Enright )

June 26, 2021
I actually played in Norm's band in '57-plus! He taught me to play drums and he played accordion! He tried to teach me to ride a bicycle and took me to his prom! ( we were really talked about cause he was a senior -I was a freshman! I did not see him from '58 til I connected on social media about 2017! An exgirlfriend's sister was a neighbor to me and Dolly came to my yard sale! After talking awhile we discovered Norm again!!!! Sorry for your loss! He was going to try to make one more trip out West to Nevada to see the two of us! Then he broke his back .....

Bill Gaughan

September 19, 2020
I miss Whoopee Norm Edlebeck His music was great and will stand the test of time. Thank you for the memories Norm.

Francés ( Enright) Lerma

August 26, 2020
Norm took me to my first prom in 1958! He also taught me to play drums so along with a sister? On piano and I think Bill or ? On tuba and Johnny on guitar we played bowling alley , couple of resorts! WE both stayed in music industry all our life! I unfortunately never made Hall of Fame! We touched base again couple of years ago!

jennie lou rahn

March 16, 2020
I was shocked to hear this bad news. i still cant believe it. Will be watching you and your lady friend dance away on Polka Mollie B s Tv shows. We always did already.watch for you. Rest in peace my dear friend. We love you.

Jennie Lou Rahn

March 15, 2020
Norm You will be deeply missed . Enjoyed watching you dance on Mollie B s TV show. Always watched for you and your lady friend. l enjoyed your humor on facebook Many years ago you and your wonderful band played for my nieces wedding dance at Hustisford Wisconsin.. If l hear thunder this summer. l will be thinking you are playing your drums from Heaven to let us know you and our much loved and missed musicians are teaming up. Rest in Piece. My dear friend. You will never be forgotten.

Terry & Rico Mugnaini

March 13, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of Norm's passing. He was a really talented musician. With many occasions to hear him and his band, when they played at my dad Irvin Peth 's Wausaukee Bowl, we were fortunate to watch his musical career explode for him at such a young age.. He was married to my cousin, Donna and they lived and worked in Wausaukee. Many weddings were celebrated at the Bowl with "Whoopie" Norm's lively music. Our deepest condolences to the family.

Robert and Susanne Tuttle

March 13, 2020
Our hearts go out to your and family Erica. Your parents were such nice people. Was sorry that you moved away. I see you have three daughters! We presently have 5 grandchildren! Wish we could attend the wake but we'll be out of town. Take care!

Sandy Ring

March 12, 2020
My sympathy to all of Norm's family. I worked for him for a few years at the Dog N Suds and became good friends with daughter Kim. Lost touch many years ago with all of them. Didn't know the connection to Marlene but how coincidental that they both passed the same day. True siblings. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Sandy (Elias) Ring

Dan A Simon

March 11, 2020
Kim, Erica and the rest of the Norm Edlebeck Family, My deepest sympathy to you all. What a great man who will be deeply missed. I remember playing banjo in the Dairyland Dutchmen from 1972 until around 1982. I also worked at the old Dog'n Suds (with Kim, Norm and Kathee) and living with you in Wausaukee in the summer of 1975. We had many wonderfull times. The trips with the band are some of my fondest memories(especially recording the Baby Doll album in Nebraska). The stories we shared are still fresh in my mind some forty years later. I remember helping your dad do some of the Saturday Morning Radio tapings and him showing me how to make a Texas Burger. Stories of Catwoman at the Drive-in and stories of your Dad's numerous speeding tickets made for lighthearted moments. I want you to know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the funeral, as we are leaving on a family vacation to Florida on Friday. My deepest sympathy to all. Your Dad and Mom are probably dancing a polka in heaven, if he's not playing one. Dan and Lori Simon and Family Hustisford, Wisconsin

Karen McAlpine

March 11, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Norm loved his polka band and made many people happy throughout the years. My bother, Ed, played in the band and I have many fond memories of listening and dancing to their music. The band played for my parents 40th Anniversary at the Middle Inlet Town Hall. Rest In Peace, Norm. You will be missed. Karen McAlpine

Bob & Monica Buboltz

March 10, 2020
Erica so sorry to hear about your father. I did not realize he formed his own band. Very talented & well liked man. I remember Angie sharing good memories of both your mother & father. May he rest in peace & his memories remain in your heart. Thinking of you & your family at this sad time Bob & Monica Buboltz

Steve Harris

March 10, 2020
I had so much fun playing music and just generally enjoying life with Norm. Condolences to the family.

Jens Jensen

March 10, 2020
I remember filling in with the band a couple of times. My warmest memory is playing with the band in August of 2013 (?) at the Medina Ballroom in Medina, MN for the taping of the Mollie B Polka Show. It was an honor to be asked to play it and I enjoyed it so much. He was wonderful to work for, as he had such a kind heart and a welcoming smile. Jens H Jensen Rockford, MN

Bob Wenzlaff

March 10, 2020
Sympathy to Erica, Jim & family Thoughts, Prayers and Memories with you! Love, Bob & Barb

Polly Mueller and family

March 9, 2020
Ou deepest sympathy to the Edlebeck family ---from Polly, Karl, Anne, Josef, Aaron and extended family. Norm, Katy and Erica were very important and supportive in our lives. Our mutual love of music, gardening, and "the north" kept us connected. We have wonderful memories of those times in Wausaukee and New Ulm. Much love to all. Peace.