Norman J. Eschenbaum, 98, of Sturgis, SD passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Monument Health Sturgis Senior Care Facility and Hospice with his granddaughter by his side. Burial services will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 11:00.
Norman J. Eschenbaum was born October 23,1926 in Orient, SD to Herman and Hellen (Keppen) Eschenbaum. He attended schools in Orient and Miller. In 1944 at the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Navy during the last year of World War II. Upon returning to Orient, he was in the reserves for 4 years. While in the reserves, he married Esther (Etta) Schaefer of Polo, SD on August 28, 1950. They were married 66 years before her passing in 2016.
Norman was called back to duty by the United States Army in 1950 to the Korean War where he saw active duty with Battalion 145th Field Artillery seeing battle at Heartbreak Ridge, Iron Triangle, Pork Chop Hill and others. He came back to the states in 1952 and was discharged from Fort Lewis Washington and transferred to ERC for 5 years. In 1957 he received his Honorable Discharge from the United States Army. He was very proud of his service to his country.
In 1952 Norman and Etta moved to Fargo, ND where he attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School and completed training for body repair and painting. Upon completion of school, they moved to Aberdeen, SD where he worked for the Ford Garage. In 1954 they moved to Miller, SD where he worked for Thiels’s Body Shop. After 2 years he started his own business Norm’s Body Shop which he owned for 25 years. He then lived In Loveland, CO working for Hewlett-Packard and also lived in Rapid City, SD eventually retiring in Sturgis, SD.
Norman enjoyed fishing and everyone loved his smoked trout. He also played cards with his friends and spent summers and holidays with his grandchildren.
Norman is survived by his daughter Judy (Bruce) Homan, 2 grandchildren: Patrick and Stephanie; 4 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 2 sisters-in-law: Phyllis Eschenbaum and Theresa Eschenbaum; along with many nephews and nieces.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Etta; his parents, sister Annette, brothers-and sister-in-law: Marvin, Keith (Millie), Willard (Mary Jane), Lester and Roger.