Served in Coast Guard, wrote news, traveled
Better known as “Ole Man Wiggle,” Norman Almerian Wigle, longtime resident of St. Charles Parish, lived every moment of his life to its fullest until his death at age 103.
“He was an extraordinary human being,” said Wigle’s granddaughter, Ann Nolan of Boutte.
Born in St. Joseph, Mo., on Aug. 17, 1911, Nolan said Wigle was undeniably a self-starter, adapter and charmer.
At age 16, he joined the Coast Guard and three years later was honorably discharged in 1930. That same year, he went to work in Clearwater, Fla., and saw “this beautiful woman” crossing the street when he announced that was the woman he was going to marry. According to Nolan, he was with a friend at the time who responded, “Wigle, you’re crazy, that’s my sister.” About a year later, he married her – Andogonia “Ann” – and they remained happily together for 73 years.
They had two children, Mariann and Warren. He took his son’s Boy Scout troop to the Smoky Mountains at least 10 times.
The couple went on their first cruise on their 50th year of marriage and then went on another 32 cruises in the following 23 years. He was known for helping entertain at stage shows aboard ship.
When Ann died at age 90 in November of 2003, he was on a cruise the following December. Nolan tearfully recounted asking him about doing this so soon after her grandmother’s death, but Wigle told her they had done everything they wanted to do, he knew he’d see her again and he was going to continue his life.
Wigle was also known for his strong work ethic.He worked at American Cyanamid until age 60 and then owned Nor-Ann Fine Arts on River Road for 30 years. This is when he became known as “Ole Man Wiggle,” and he apparently liked it because he used to say, “I’m an old man in an old frame shop on old River Road.”
Nolan estimated three-fourths of the framework done in the area likely came out of his shop or at least until Hurricane Katrina blew the roof off the building that he’d been renting for $110 a month for years until he voluntarily raised it to $150. Wigle even contributed articles to the St. Charles Herald-Guide, where he expressed his opinions about goings on in the parish.
He was still working at age 93, but it was on this birthday that he learned the state wouldn’t give him a driver’s license anymore. He had been driving since he was 11 years old.
“He drove another two years without a driver’s license,” Nolan said.
At age 95, Wigle sold his house and used the money to go on cruises.
“He was always going,” she said of a man whose longevity was based on no smoking, alcohol or red meat. However, it was known that he played poker seven nights a week and it wasn’t challenging for him because Nolan said his mental clarity was astounding. He could remember what he did 90 minutes ago or 90 years ago. “He was a man of honor, integrity and exceptional work ethic. We just saw and he just led by example.”
As testimony to his health, Wigle became a centenarian while he was on a Caribbean cruise and still living on his own. Nolan said he stepped off the boat that morning and into his birthday party that afternoon – and was fine for a man who was celebrating a century of living. He sang “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in his baritone voice, not missing a note or lyric.
Right about this time, officials with the Social Security Administration asked to see him in person as proof that he was still alive. Nolan told them he was 100 years old and it was them who should come see him. They did, and he flirted with one of the representatives.
“Everything about my grandfather was spectacular,” Nolan said. “Everything was a blessing.”
At his 103rd birthday party, Wigle was fascinated by the latest arrival to his Greek family – his great-great grandson. It was a “Who Dat” party so Riley was dressed in Saints clothing. By this time, he was living in Luling Living Center, where she said everyone knew him – “He was like a rockstar.” He even helped with the plumbing.“His eyes just followed Riley around the room,” Nolan recalled of Wigle admiring the fifth generation of his family and likely reflecting on having lived more than a century. In his deep voice, he asked if the child had a good coat and baby seat. “He adored him.”
Wigle died on March 30 and this is why his service will be dedicated to both of them.
The service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at New Life Community Church in Luling (joint ministry of Luling United Methodist Church and First Union Presbyterian at 134 Lakewood Dr.).
“I think the most amazing thing were his pearls of wisdom,” Nolan said. “He was just so incredibly wise and made incredible choices in life. He was able to squeeze every possible moment out of life until the end. You don’t live that long without being wise.”
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