Norman F. Schuster, 97, of Phillips, NE died Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo's Church. The Rev. Donald A. Buhrman will be the celebrant. Interment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard, Callaway American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Team. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. with visitation following the rosary until service time. Memorials are suggested to St. Leo's Church, Callaway American Legion Post #59, or St. Boniface Catholic Church in Callaway. You are encouraged to sign Norman's guestbook at www.curranfuenralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Norman was born on November 21, 1926, to Felix and Clara (Wistuba) Schuster in Tecumseh, NE. He lived there until he was two and a half years old when he and his family moved to Callaway, NE. He attended Hillside Country School and graduated from Callaway High School in Callaway in 1945. He had to register for the draft on his birthday and was drafted and entered the Army on February 16, 1945 of his senior year in high school. After training in Alabama, Kansas, and California, he boarded a ship for the Philippines on the day the first atomic bomb was dropped. His fleet was sent to Yamaka, Japan to complete his service. Norman was one of two soldiers in a group of over 400 to attain sharpshooter certification. Norm was honorably discharged on November 20, 1946, returning home with the rank of TEC 3, the day before his 21st birthday. He was patriotic and proud to have served his country. While living in Callaway, he was in the Honor Guard for decades. Norman worked at International Harvester in Callaway after getting home from the Army. He married Betty Lorane Peterson in 1951. In 1952 he began farming and ranching. He loved farming and taking care of his cattle, horses, cats and dogs. He worked hard and took very few vacations. He served on the elevator board and was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Callaway. He was a member of the American Legion Post 59, serving on its honor guard for decades. He also was a 50 plus year member of the Broken Bow Elks Club. At the age of 50, Norman decided to fulfill a dream and get his pilot's license and buy an airplane, a Super Cub. He enjoyed flying, built a hangar and used a dirt road on the farm as his runway. Failing vision made him decide to give up that hobby. He also restored many antique cars (all Fords). After he retired, he moved to a new house on an acreage by Phillips, NE to be near family. He maintained a huge yard with a garden, flowers and an enviable lawn. He continued to work on his five antique cars in his shop and on an old big wheel wagon. He also built a real size windmill to bring farm life to the new house. He really enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and friends, listening to music, playing pinochle and pitch. He was an honest man of integrity who worked hard and helped others as needed. Norman and Betty had many nieces, nephews, and neighbor kids who considered them friends and bonus parents/grandparents. Norman was a member of St. Leo's Church in Grand Island. In May of 2012, Norman and Betty were honored to go on the Hall County Hero Flight #3 as a WWll veteran and escort. They marveled at the respect and gratitude they received from everyone they encountered while on the trip. Norman leaves behind his wife of 72 years Betty Schuster of Phillips, NE Daughter, Becky (Ed) Whipple of Grand Island, NE Grandchildren, Tess (Rhaym) Keel and Taylor (Christine) Whipple, great grandchildren, Annika, Linnea, and Owen. Siblings, Carolyn Farina of St. Louis, MO Sisters-in-law, Betty Schuster Joan Schuster Peterson in-laws, Ruby Peterson, Jane Wilkins, Kenny and Marge Peterson, Jay and Jeanie Peterson, Kay and Niels Nielsen, and Sheila and Dennis Malcom and six godchildren. Norman is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Hailey, sister, Barb, brothers, Francis, Louis. The family would like to thank Bob and Cindy Brown for their relentless support and friendship. Cornerstone Caregiving for the two compassionate, respectful and loving caregivers they provided the last few months and the compassionate and kind staff at St. Francis for his last four days. Vigil Service St. Leo's Catholic Church Wednesday, May 1, 2024 9:30 AM 2410 South Blaine Grand Island, NE 68803 Visitation St. Leo's Catholic Church Wednesday, May 1, 2024 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM 2410 South Blaine Grand Island, NE 68803 Mass of Christian Burial St. Leo's Catholic Church Wednesday, May 1, 2024 10:30 AM 2410 South Blaine Grand Island, NE 68803 Burial Grand Island City Cemetery Wednesday, May 1, 2024 11:30 AM 3168 West Stolley Park Rd Grand Island, NE 68801