Norman Schwietz

Norman Anthony Schwietz, 85, of Independence, MO, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Norman was born October 16, 1926 in St. Paul, MN the son of John and Veronica (Zabrowski) Schwietz. He was the 7th of 10 children in his family. At the age of 14, Norman took a train to Belleville, IL to join the Lower Seminary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a Catholic order of priests. He was ordained to that order, and spent the nearly 20 years of his priesthood as a teacher and school principal. In 1970 he left the priesthood, and began to work for the State of Missouri Welfare and Employment Services division.

Norman married Mary Patricia Watson, of Independence, in 1972, and they had a daughter, Rebecca, in 1977. He was a parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Independence where he cantored and led the choir for many years while his wife played the organ. Norman took great pleasure in tending the garden, good food and drink, visiting the penny slots at local casinos, and cheering on the KU men's basketball team.

He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Schwietz, and her husband, Andrew Van Der Laan; grandchildren, Henry and Ruth Van Der Laan; sister, Maxine Flynn; and brothers, David and Mark Schwietz. Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Patricia Schwietz on July 27, 2011; one sister; five brothers; and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church; 600 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday at Carson-Speaks Chapel; 1501 W. Lexington Ave. Independence, MO 64052. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.