Obituaries

Norman Howard Hempel

Lt. Col. Norman Howard Hempel (USAF Ret.) of Hampton, VA passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022.  He was born in Garfield, New Jersey, graduated from Clifton High School in Clifton, New Jersey, and entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. After entering the military, he continued his education at Santa Maria Junior College in Santa Maria, California, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Butler University Indianapolis, Indiana, and the Senior Executives Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Norman served as a B-24 Pilot during WW II and then as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) before retiring from the USAF in 1968. He continued his investigative career with the Office of Naval Investigations (ONI), a second assignment with OSI as a civilian special agent and served his last fifteen years of government service as Region Director of the Eastern Region with the Defense Investigative Service, again retiring in January 1987. He was extremely proud of his almost 46 years of government service.

He was a member of the Adoniram Highland Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the state of New Jersey and was a member of the Eaglewood Golf Course at Langley AFB, VA.

Norman is survived by his wife, Evelyn Marie Hempel; daughter, Nancy Lynn Dalin and her husband, Dale Dalin; son, Kurt Allen Hempel and his wife, Sandi Hempel; three grandchildren, Casey Legg and her husband, Joshua Legg, Matthew Hempel, and his fiancé, Gracie Gorman Love, and Hailey Hempel and her fiancé, David Hart; and his two great-grandchildren Tolson and Van Legg.

He was completely devoted to his wife of 73 years, whom he considered his true strength throughout his entire adult life, and he thought of his daughter and son as true champions in every sense of the word. His love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was complete and unequaled.

A graveside service will take place on Monday, December 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Horton Wreath Society, P.O. Box 6246, Virginia Beach VA 23456-0246.

Arrangements are being provided by Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

8 Comments

  1. Tom Wilson

    Mrs. Hempel, Nancy, and Kurt, and your loved ones, I feel for your loss. Although I haven’t seen the families in years, I have very fond memories of all of you, and I realize your hearts are heavy now. May God , time, and fond memories of your husband, father, and grandfather help heal your sorrow.

  2. Kurt

    Dad,
    Thank you for all the years of love, support, and devotion that you provided to our family. The last five months were not exactly what you wanted; however, we all know you are in a much better place now. I’m grateful for the time and the conversations that we were able to have during that time. They will never be forgotten. We all love you very much and will miss you as we move forward; however, we will definitely catch up some day and will have many more things to talk about.

    • Randy Parrish

      Kurt,
      So sorry for the loss of your dad. The few times that I came to your house during our high school days and had a chance to talk to him briefly, I could tell that he was a special, kind and extremely intelligent man. The 73 years of marriage is indeed an accomplishment in itself. It shows his devotion to your mother and the entire family.

  3. Kimberly Pottratz Quinn

    We are so sorry for your loss. My mom and dad thought the world of Norm and Evelyn. Norm was a wonderful man.Love Kim and Nick Quinn

  4. Hailey Hempel

    Papaw—Thank you for being the greatest. The greatest listener, hugger, story teller, and man I’ve ever known. Thank you for showing me how much I deserve in this life, and reminding me to never settle for anything less. Thank you for being my constant cheerleader, and for supporting me always. No matter what, when I was around you, everything was better. With you, I felt home. Holidays and birthdays will never be the same, but I know you’ll be there with me, for I will carry you in my heart forever. I can’t imagine a life without you, but how lucky am I to have been loved by you for so long. I hope you’re up there playing golf and walking Treka. You watch over us, and I got everyone down here. Give my grandma and grandpa a hug….As always, I love you mucher.

  5. Shelley Sala

    Mrs. Hempel, Nancy, and Kurt. We are so very sad to learn that Mr. Hempel passed away. Mrs. Hempel, you know mom and dad loved you both so much (as all of us kids did/do). Such dear friends for so many years. Memories are forever . . . and there are so many! No doubt Nancy, Kurt and all your loved ones will surround you with comfort and support during this difficult time. To your beautiful family, we send our deepest sympathies and pray that all you shared with someone as special as your husband, father and grandfather will help see you through this time of sorrow. Shelley Sala and Robert Lesinski

  6. Carol (Beharka) McGuire

    Sending thoughts to all of the Hempel Family.. This is your long lost niece and it has been many years ..
    But, saw this and wanted to send our condolences to Aunt Evelyn and Nancy and Kurt.

  7. Carol Beharka McGuire

    Aunt Evelyn, So sorry to hear about Uncle Norm. If you would like to get in touch with me I will include my email
    and you can reach out to me… Sending condolences to you and the family.
    Carol
    cgmcguire13@gmail.com

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