Norman Thomas Szatkowski, age 84, of Herron passed away suddenly Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at his home.Norman was born on Feb. 12, 1926, in Bolton to the late Frank and Anna (Yuchasz) Szatkowski.  Norman served our country during World War II in the Pacific Theater and participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands and was honorably discharged in May of 1946.  He married the former Maxine Small on May 7, 1955, and they resided in Herron for the last 42 years. He was employed at Huron Portland Cement for 29 years, retiring in 1986.  Norman spent most days enjoying his family and friends and spent considerable time and effort working on his pond, which his family affectionately named "Lake Norman." He was very proud of his flowers and his gardens.Norman was a member of Alpena VFW Post No. 2496.Surviving are his wife, Maxine; children, Cheryl (Al) Hurst of San Diego, Calif., Dennis (Vickie) of East Tawas and Norman Jr. (Penny), Carol, Shelly and Jonie of Alpena; 23 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.Preceding him in death were two brothers, Robert and Victor; three sisters, Irene Hillman, Loretta Kihn and Carol Ann Szatkowski; half-brother, Richard; and half-sister, Helen McLaren.The funeral was held at Bannan Funeral Home Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Alpena with full military honors accorded him by VFW Post 2496. The Rev. Robert Mikkelson officiated the services. Interment will be in King Settlement Cemetery, Herron.