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Date of Birth
Norman Creutz was born on November 4, 1934, in his parents house, to his parents Fred and Esther Creutz. -
Early Years
In his childhood years from age 4 to 18, Norm didn't remember too much about the Great Depression, but did remember some about the WWII. His family did not travel much, because everything was rationed, like gas. The government only allowed 3 gallons of gas in a week per family. Norm's cousin was killed at war in the North Atlantic, so he definitely remembers that happening. His father, Fred Creutz, was in WWII and very active in the American Legion. Norm went to school in Wausa. -
Graduation from High School
Norm graduated high school in 1952. The school work back then was a lot simpler than what it is today. There was also no drugs around for any kid to get, so no one did that. During the summers, he would get together with his friends to play baseball almost every day, as there was nothing else to do. He also worked at the family owned pharmacy for his dad, where his dad taught him how to be a good salesman. -
College at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Norm went to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he went to Pharmacy School. The pharmacy school was on campus, where there were only 6,000 students there, which was not a lot compared to what it is today. There wern't many people in his pharmacy class, and only about one or two women. -
Graduation From College and Joining the Army
Norm graduated UNL in 1956, where you only needed 4 years of college to graduate pharmacy school, which is different from today. He then joined the army, where he did basic training in Arkansas. He wrote letters home about every week, but only had the opportunity to call home one time. It was a good experience, just not the career he wanted. -
Meeting Joyce
Norm then came back home after the army, where he met his future wife, Joyce. Joyce had come to teach here. -
Started to Work With Dad
After coming back from the Army, Norm started to work at the family owned pharmacy, Creutz Drug Store. Norm wasn't planning to stay as he had other plans, but after his dad got sick in 1961, he took over the shop. -
JFK Assassination
Norm heard about the JFK assassinationw on the radio and as taken back by the news. The difference about news like that back then and today is that there wasn't as much media coverage as there is today. There were only 4 T.V. channels back then to watch it on. -
Built a House
In 1964, Norm had a house built, where Joyce would later stay home and watch their kids. -
Keeping the Pharmacy going
Norm continued the family business. The pharmacy sold items such as paint, baseball bats, school supplies, and toys. The business was a successful and Norm was learning more and more. -
Has First Child
Norm and Joyce have their first child, Megan. -
Has Second Child
Norm and Joyce have their Second Child, Gretchen. -
Wausa in the 70s
Wausa in the 70s had lots of kids around Wausa, as a lot of them lived in the farm. The school graduated classes with up to 50, 60, and 70 kids in them.
Norm was at first confirmed at the Covanent Church, but then later went to the Lutheran Church after meeting Joyce. -
The Pharmacy in the 80s
There were more insurance companies, as the pharmacies were regulated more by the government, as there were more drug plans. Norm also cut back on some of the hours of the Pharmacy. He made many compounds because there wern't as many premade medications as there are today. -
First Computer in Store
Norm bought his first computer for drug store, which was an Apple computer, with printer and monitor, and cost about $3500, but could not hold a lot of memory. Everything you could think of has changed, and he is amazed by it. -
Events in the 80s
There were some major events in the 80s, but they didn't hit Norm as hard as the JFK assassination did. -
The day of 9/11
Norm remembers hearing about 9/11 and said it was the worst act of terrorism on United States soil. He was very confused on how someone could have a mindset of killing so many people, no matter who it is. -
Announcing Retirment
Norm announced that he wanted to retire after 50 years of a great pharmacy. -
Open House to Honor the Past 50 Years
Norm had a ceremony in Wausa with his family and friends to celebrate the end of a 113-year family-owned business. -
Norm Creutz Today
Norm today still lives in the same house that he has lived in for almost 50 years now. He has four successful children and 11 grandchildren. He travels around the world with his wife, Joyce, during his retirement. He says he has a very fortunate and blessed life.
