Norman LeRoy Metz, 80, of Tekamah, passed away on Sept. 25, 2026.
Norman was born on Aug. 26, 1946, to Willis and Edna (Daniels) Metz. From the very beginning, Norman apparently had a personality all his own. His dad, Willis, once joked that if Norman had been his first child, he would have been his last. Those who knew Norman well would probably agree that he made sure he was never forgotten!
Norman spent his working years as a truck driver and welder. He made friends wherever he went and was the kind of person who would give a friend the shirt off his back — although he might have had a joke or two to go along with it.
In his younger years, Norman enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, playing softball and throwing darts. He enjoyed good competition, good times and, most of all, good company. He had a quick wit, a good sense of humor and a knack for making people laugh. Norman could turn an ordinary conversation into a story, and there was usually a punchline somewhere nearby.
Norman is survived by his son, Dennis Metz and wife Jill; daughters Cristie Supernaw and Brenda Metz; and his grandchildren Stefanie (Jarred) Mortensen, Jake Metz, Haylee (James) Townsend, Riley Metz, Alivia Metz, Ethan (Michelle) Reuling, Madeline Reuling, Shayla (Lane) Rohlfs, Wyatt Moore and Eli Moore. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Lilly Metz, Amelia Metz, Maple Mortensen, Aspen Mortensen, Rowan Mortensen, Cypress Mortensen, Hawthorne Mortensen, Gwen Townsend, Ava Smith, Henry Reuling, Conley Reuling, Quinn Reuling, Rya Reuling, Kiara Metz, Logan Wetzel and Phoenix Rohlfs.
Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy; his brother, Roland Metz; his father, Willis Metz; and his mother, Edna Metz.
Those who knew Norman will remember him for his generous heart, his sense of humor, his willingness to help a friend and his ability to make people smile. He was a character in the best sense of the word — one of those people who left stories behind wherever he went.
Norman lived life in his own way, played hard, loved his family and never let an opportunity for a good joke pass him by. While he will be deeply missed, his family and friends can take comfort in the many memories, laughs and stories he leaves behind.
And knowing Norman, he probably would have preferred that everyone spend less time crying and more time telling a few good stories about him.
The memorial service was held Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Tekamah. The burial was at the Tekamah Cemetery. Memorials can be sent to the Tekamah Fire and Rescue.
