Leslie Hawbaker

"Norm" Leslie N. Hawbaker, age 73, of Sugar Grove, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family.He was born in Sycamore, IL, on February 22, 1937, the son of Leslie Firkins and Margreta (Espe) Hawbaker. He grew up in rural Genoa where he began school. The family later moved to Malta where he graduated from Malta High School in 1955. Following high school, Norm worked for several area garages and car dealerships; the beginning of a lifetime career as a certified mechanic. For a time, he owned and operated Norm’s Auto Repair in Batavia. At the end of his career, he worked for Country Gas in Wasco, retiring in May 1999. Norm met his wife one Saturday night when he was out for the evening with a friend. Kathy was waiting tables and caught Norm’s eye, and later his heart. Six months later Kathy Shults and Norm Hawbaker were united in marriage on November 12, 1978 in Wayne, IL. After a few months in St. Charles, they made their home on Smith Rd., in rural Elburn; home for thirty one years. Most recently, they lived in Sugar Grove.Norm and Kathy blended their families together and when they were all gathered around the table there were ten brothers and sisters. One of the favorite family activities was taking the camper and the "Hawk" out for a "little time away" at a campground; both fun and memories were made. Norm loved Harley motorcycles, especially his 1958 Harley Duo Glide. He rebuilt a 1964 Corvair Spider, a show car that went to countless car shows. It was one of many that Norm rebuilt and restored. Norm loved animals of all kinds but was especially fond of dogs. Over the years, he and Kathy "rescued" a number of dogs from the shelter. "Frisky", "Freddie" and "Amber" were a few of the favorites that captured Norm’s heart.Norm was a man with a rough exterior but a soft heart. His tender heart was visible when he reached out to help anyone in need and opened his home to anyone. A mechanic all of his life, Norm was happiest and most comfortable with something that had a motor. He left to those he loved a lifetime of memories and stories to share.He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-two years, Kathy; ten children: Julie (Richard) Stewart, Cindy Hawbaker, Sandy (Anthony) Dinnocenzio, Jeff (Terri) Hawbaker, Cindy (the late, Steve) Sowinski, Doris (Tim) Klomhaus, Terry (Dave) Lamb, Clarence (Idalides) Kruthoff, Karl (Sally) Kruthoff and Larry (Lupe) Kruthoff; two brothers, Richard (Mary Jane) Hawbaker and Larry (Linda) Hawbaker; 29 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a host of good friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Margreta; his son-in-law, Steve Sowinski and one grandson, Charles Burnett Hawbaker. A celebration of life, a time for family and friends to gather and share, will be held from 2-5 p.m., November 21, 2010 at Elburn Lions Park, 500 S. Filmore St., Elburn. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Norm’s name to benefit animals in need. Checks may be made to the "Norm Hawbaker Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may be forwarded to the family at the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

A celebration of life, a time for family and friends to gather and share, will be held from 2-5 p.m., November 21, 2010 at Elburn Lions Park, 500 S. Filmore St., Elburn.

Private family interment at a later date.