Norman V. Moen, 88, of Eau Claire and formerly of Chetek, died Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire. Norman was born in Whitehall, WI, on August 29, 1923, a son Sever and Alvina (Sosall) Moen. Norman served in the U.S. Army from March 1943, until his honorable discharge in December 1945. In 1943, there was a presidential call for volunteers for a "dangerous and hazardous" mission. Norman became a member of the elite ranger group known as Merrill's Marauders. Their mission was to disrupt Japanese communications and supply lines in Burma. The intense battles took place behind Japanese lines. While out on patrol on June 1, 1944, Norman's group was ambushed by heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Norman was shot in the face and jaw. He spent 18 months in hospitals until he fully recovered. For his service as a member of the Merrill's Marauders, during World War II, Norman received numerous medals and commendations, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Norman married Ruth H. Swanson on January 23, 1947, in Eau Claire at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Norman worked for Northwest Wholesale, Inc. in Eau Claire until his retirement in 1985. Norman was a life-long member of VFW Post #10331 in Chetek. Norman enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and reading. Norman is survived by his son, Gary (Diane Rathke) of Eau Claire; two grandchildren, Jeremy and Carmen; two great-grandchildren, Brandon and Caleb; friend and companion, Joyce Norton of Chetek; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sandy (Bob) Adams; brother, Sanford; two sisters, Margaret and Esther. Family and friends will miss this great man. Rest in Peace, Dad! Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2012, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home WEST CHAPEL, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire with Chaplin Nate Oldenkamp officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Lincoln Cemetery in Whitehall, WI with military rites conducted by Hutchins-Stendahl Post 191 of American Legion. A special Thank you from the family goes out to the Dove Healthcare West Staff for the kind and excellent care they provided in the final eight months of Norm's life. Also, Thank you to Mayo Clinic Health System Home Health & Hospice for their care for Norm in his final days.

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