William Carl Norwig was taken home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 18, 2021, with his family gathered around him. William, or better known as Bill, was 78 years old and resided in Dallas, PA with his new bride, Marie, and their two dogs, Porky and Lola. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend to so many.
Bill was born on February 26, 1943 in the Panama Canal Zone to Carl and Betty Norwig of Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bill was an only child and had many stories of his experience living in Panama where his father, a self-taught engineer, operated one of the canal locks. The Norwig
family returned to the States when Bill was 6 years old and lived in the East End section of Wilkes-Barre. A few years later they relocated to a house on Hillside Rd. in Shavertown, which would be Bill's permanent residence for the rest of his high school and college years.
Bill graduated from Lake Lehman High School in 1961 and went on to earn a B.S. in Secondary Education from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bill also held a Master’s Degree in Education from Trenton State, which was a compilation of graduate credits from several
schools; Jersey City State, Newark State, Penn State, Azusa Pacific, and Wilkes University. He was a certified teacher in both PA and NJ.
Bill's teaching career was one like none other. He had a heart for students and poured out his life for them both inside and outside of the classroom. The impact he made on countless students is greater than anyone could fathom. He coached sporting events of all kinds, he
somehow made algebra fun, he held students' attention captive in history class, he always had an ear or a shoulder for a student to cry on, he told the same "Uncle" jokes and stories everyday which always brought smiles and laughter, and he had a gift that made each student feel loved and accepted just as they were.
Bill either taught at, started, or served as Principal at a myriad of schools which added up to a combined 40+ years of formal teaching; Lebanon Township Elementary, Dallas Christian School, Christian Life Academy, Lancaster Christian School, Sweet Valley Christian School, Wyoming Valley Montessori School, and most recently, Rock Solid Academy. Bill also used his teacher certifications to administer homeschool evaluations for over 25 years. Teaching was Bill's first love, but there were times in between when he also used his Jack of all trades personality to work for some other companies. He was employed at Germick Kitchen and Bath, Wasserott's Medical Supply, Mercy Hospital Home Health, and Bryant's RV Showcase, just to name a few.
However, none of this success would have been the same without the love and support of his cherished wife of 52 years, Carol. Bill and Carol met when he was helping with a local youth group in the early 60's. The happy couple was married at St. Luke's United Church of Christ in
Wilkes-Barre on June 24, 1967. They moved to Washington, NJ and began their new life together. Ten years of living in a few different NJ towns, they started a family by adopting a Korean baby girl named, Tami, and then two years later adopted a seven year old Korean boy named, Adam. Bill and Carol loved these children as their own flesh and blood, never hesitating to sacrifice the world for either of them. The family of four relocated several times for Bill's job opportunities or to be closer to family. They ultimately landed back in Dallas, PA where Bill and Carol lived out their remaining years together. Bill was a faithful husband and cared for Carol for several years while she battled Alzheimer's disease. Bill was present when Carol took her last breath on April 26, 2020.
Shortly after Carol's passing, Bill moved to the Meadows Retirement Community in Dallas, PA and became friendly with a sweet, Christian widow there named, Marie. When you're 77 years old, you don't waste time so they were married on May 15, 2021. Although their time as newlyweds was very brief, Bill spent his last weeks on earth as a very happy man, having the care, companionship, and love of Marie by his side.
Bill was always an active member of any community he was in, coaching Little League, helping neighbors, and most importantly, being a vital member of the body of Christ in his local church. Bill made a profession and believed that the Lord saved him when he was around 30 years old while under the teaching of Pastor Christopher Smith at Calvary Bible Church in Stroudsburg, PA. Since that time, Bill lived to serve the Lord and sought to point others to Him. He taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, helped at AWANA, led Bible studies to all ages, and helped wherever he felt God could use him. He loved to tell others about Jesus and is well known for his "white board" Bible lessons.
He had an infectious personality that drew people in. Wherever there was a crowd, Bill would be in the center bringing laughter and an encouragement to those around him. It was hard to go anywhere with Bill and not bump into someone who knew him. Bill was a beloved Daddy and Poppop and could often be found telling others how proud he was of children and grandsons. Bill leaves a tremendous void in the hearts and lives of so many, but we are resting in the comfort of the Gospel and that he is now pain free at home with the Lord.
Bill is survived by his second wife, Marie Kowalski; his son, Adam; his daughter, Tami and husband, Jim Perrin of Hatfield, PA; and his two grandchildren, Jimmy and Cody Perrin. Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Betty (Sandow) Norwig; his father, Carl Norwig; and his first
wife, Carol (Keiper) Norwig.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made in Bill's memory to Camp Orchard Hill. Checks can be sent to 640 Orange Rd., Dallas, PA 18612, or you can visit www.camporchardhill.com for more information on how to donate online.
The family would like to thank you all for the faithful love, care, and support that was bestowed
upon Bill throughout his life, and especially in these last few years. May you be forever blessed for your kindness. Thank you for being a part of Bill's amazing life.
Memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc. 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, Pa. 18612.Online condolences can be made at Disquefuneralhome.com
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