Norman Edwin Reinhardt

Norman took his final trip on Saturday, December 6, 2025. We can't imagine the adventures awaiting him in his new heavenly home.

He was born on October 3, 1929, to Edwin and Mildred (Johnson) Reinhardt at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla, WA. Norman's sister, Shirley, completed the family four years later.

He was educated in College Place and Walla Walla schools, graduating from Washington Elementary in 1944 and Walla Walla High School in 1950. (He took a couple of "gap years" while in high school!) His Washington School graduating class of 8th graders have a very special bond and have met for reunions for years to reminisce about their school days during the war years. There are now only two members of the class left.

After graduating from Wa-Hi, Norman worked on various farms until he was drafted into the army in 1951, during the Korean War. He was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin, where he trained in electronics. On completion, he was assigned to Hanau, Germany, where he worked primarily on tanks. This assignment afforded him the opportunity to travel Europe, which he so enjoyed doing with his buddies. After his discharge from the Army, he chose to remain there, working in a friend's factory and continuing his travels for an additional two years.

While returning home to Walla Walla, he worked for the city’s water department. Then, in 1956, he met a sweet little high school girl through some mutual friends. He and Mary Ann (Feise) Herres were married on June 30, 1957.

Norman decided at this time that he wished to be an electrician. His first employment was with Woodard Brothers. He worked as an apprentice for 4 years while pursuing his journeyman electrician certification. Norman enjoyed the variety of work that his trade offered. He worked in construction and maintenance on the Snake River dams: Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite. Other jobs included the new Providence St. Mary Medical Center and Walla Walla High School.

He was a proud member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and affiliated with Local 112 for over 65 years, and was the oldest member. Their support and friendship meant so much to him. Go IBEW Union 112!

Norman and Mary Ann welcomed their daughter, Laura, on September 9, 1961, and their son, Martin (Marty), on October 31, 1962. Over the years, the family enjoyed boating, water skiing, hiking, camping and riding motorcycles with friends and other family members. When riding his motorcycle, "Stormin' Norman" was usually leading the pack! When not enjoying the outdoors, he would be seen watching an NFL football game. He always rooted for the "underdog"! Of course, his favorite team was the Seattle Seahawks. Go Seahawks!

Traveling was a prime interest in Norman's life. He especially enjoyed the southwestern states. In 2016, he was able to experience Peru and Argentina.

Norman's electrical skill was welcomed by many relatives, neighbors and friends when asked to volunteer his work. However, he was not limited to just electrical tasks. Some of his talents included: welding, irrigation, plumbing, carpentry, painting, brick laying and anything else he set his mind to accomplishing. The family home and yard were always well-maintained, and he was always willing to work on projects for others. He truly believed he had a God-given gift when it came to working with his hands.

Norman was very health-conscious, and as a YMCA member of over 20 years, he routinely exercised in the gym where he benefited both physically and socially. He made many friends and considered the "Y" as his second home. The family will always be grateful for the staff's loving care as he traveled along on his life's journey.

The family also appreciates the care Norman received from doctors and professional health care providers: VA Home Based Primary Care, Aging and Disability Resource Center and Walla Walla Community Hospice. And special primary doctors: Dr. Morasch, Dr. Baker and (Ophthalmologist) Dr. Lewis.

Norman is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; daughter, Laura; son, Martin (Lisa); and grandchildren: Hannah McMullen (Tim), Mitchell Sparks, Crystal Bushkovskiy (Anton), and Justin Chiemwichitra. Great-grandchildren, Miles, Malcom, Indigo McMullen, Nikolai and Mila Bushkovskiy. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mildred Reinhardt, and his sister, Shirley LaSalle, and brother-in-law, Richard LaSalle.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens. Reception will follow at the Assumption Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the YMCA Youth Program or a charity of your choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.

May the good Lord welcome Norman into his heavenly home. We will always remember him as someone who worked hard, played hard, was an enthusiastic explorer, was a generous, caring person, and was a great life storyteller. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.