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Love that lasts a lifetime
Norm and Elizabeth Schlegel experienced the kind of love and devotion some only read about in romance novels.
They met during the Great Depression in Chicago where Norm played the saxophone in a dance band. Knowing a love like theirs would last a lifetime, they married in 1939.
Their 69-year marriage was filled with joy, two wonderful children, successful careers and boundless happiness. They were truly dedicated to each other and also to Bradley University, Norm’s alma mater.
For many years, Norm and Elizabeth donated to Bradley. Sadly, Norm passed away last November, but Elizabeth keeps his legacy alive by continuing to give to Bradley in her husband’s name and by asking that memorial gifts be made to Bradley in his name.
“We believe in education,” Elizabeth said. “It’s hard to earn money and go to school, so we knew if we could help students go to college that would be our goal.”
While attending Bradley in the 1930s in the aftermath of the Great Depression, Norm worked his way through school playing the saxophone at dance band performances throughout the Peoria area. As jubilant couples danced to the upbeat jazz rhythms, Norm earned enough money to attend Bradley where he was an active member of Epsilon Phi Alpha fraternity and was selected for membership in Phi Sigma Pi, a national honorary fraternity established to promote high scholarship among men specializing in education.
Norm, a Peoria native, graduated from Bradley in 1936 and moved to Chicago where he continued performing. Elizabeth, also a Peoria native, attended art school and designed dresses in Chicago. A mutual friend suggested the two should meet. Trusting their friend, they agreed to meet at one of Norm’s dance band performances. They dated for three years before marrying.
During World War II, Norm worked for the United States War Department. Shortly thereafter, he landed a job as an advertising manager at Cory Corporation, a coffee pot manufacturer. Before he retired, he worked his way up to the position of company vice president.
Elizabeth and Norm have two children, Stephen and Susan. Stephen is an attorney in Chicago and Susan retired from a successful career with American Airlines.
Norm and Elizabeth experienced a blissful marriage – the kind of relationship any couple strives to achieve.
“He was a wonderful, wonderful person. He helped a lot of people,” Elizabeth says. “We had a wonderful life together, and he would be so pleased that we continue to support Bradley.”