Ole Man Wigle becomes a centenarian

August 26, 2011 at 2:15 pm  | Mobile Reader | Print 

Courtesy photo

Mr. Norman Wigle is seated near his great granddaughter Racine Landry with his chantilly birthday cake waiting to be cut. Standing from left are granddaughters Ann Nolan and Diane Landry and great granddaughter Davlyn Nolan.

And Norman Wigle did just that Saturday when he was the center of attention at a 100th birthday party in his honor.

Held at Wynhoven retirement home in Marrero where he is a resident, many friends he knew during his century of life attended. Well known as Ole Man Wigle, he lived in St. Charles Parish where he was very active for most of his years.  He never drank or smoked but played poker seven nights a week.

During his lifetime he took his boy scout troop on trips to the Smoky Mountains 10 times. He started driving at the age of 11 and drove for 85 years.

After retirement from employment in the parish at the age of 62, he opened up a frame shop on River Road which he ran for many years. Mr. Wigle wrote articles which appeared in the St. Charles Herald and then St. Charles Herald-Guide. Some of them gave his opinions on what was going on in the parish. He actually worked for 80 years, from the age of 13, and retired at the ripe young age of 93.

He reached the centurion age on August 17 at which time he was on a cruise in the Caribbean. He and his wife Ann took 32 cruises together during their lifetime. Norman, who loved to be at sea, was one who often helped entertain at stage shows aboard ship.

Mr. Wigle was a member of United Methodist Church in Luling for 60 years. He was married to Ann for 73 years.

A highlight of the birthday party was Norman singing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in his resounding baritone voice, not missing a word or a note. The party hosted by grandchildren Ann Nolan, Diane Landry and Scott Nolan was an exciting hallmark event in the life of Ole Man Wigle.