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Norbert Heinz Fritz Steinwedel of Lake Norman NC, died peacefully on February 24, 2026.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn G Steinwedel, step-daughter Crystal Pridgen, grand-children Kristina Perry and Kevin Pridgen, and sister Sigrid Wiemeler (Johannes) of Hanover, Germany.
Norbert, after completing his mandatory military service in Germany, sought his destiny in America in his early twenties. Though he had limited grasp of the language, he quickly became quite the successful salesman and mastered both the language and complexities of American commerce.
Always an adventurer, he used his natural abilities to recognize inefficiencies and to create solutions with niche businesses. He created and operated Truck Transfer Services as a means of relocating trucks with no loads to their bases using piggy-back technology. Additionally, his thorough knowledge of mechanics led to Charlotte Truck Parts, where he again efficiently identified, located, and shipped parts and equipment nationwide.
Norbert was an entrepreneur not only in business but with his lifelong passion for aviation. Not content to just fly, he learned and shared his knowledge with those who shared his hunger for more information and practice. He became the premier expert in the Pilatus P3 airplane (Retired Swiss Air Force Trainer) and literally rebuilt them from scratch for personal and resale use. He continues to be sought out for his understanding of all things aviation. Norbert shared his love for flying with his wife, Evelyn, who also earned her pilot’s license. Together as pilot and co-pilot they flew all over the country, east to west; north to south; and even throughout the Caribbean.
Folks who knew Norbert admired his kindness, generosity, integrity, and German directness along with his subtle sense of humor. He will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly as a husband, brother, step-father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend.
A celebration of life will be held later for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, should you feel the need, please consider a donation to: The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center; DUMC Box 362K; Durham NC 27710; Memo: Glioblastoma. VIA Health Partners Hospice Lake Norman Team P. O. Box 470408 Charlotte, NC 28247.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Steinwedel family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Joy Perry says
Patty, Brian and our family are praying for you all. Please let us know if there is anything we can do
Sigrid Wiemeler says
Ich bin traurig aber auch Dankbar das ein so besonderer Mensch mein Bruder war . Wir beten für ihn . Er fliegt jetzt in die Erlösung
Schneider, Irene says
Liebe Evelyn mit Familie
sowie Sigrid mit Johannes,
Norbert den Flug in den Himmel ohne Rückkehr unternommen – nun ist er frei🌈 die Spuren seines Lebens wie Gedanken, Bilder und Augenblicke werden Euch erinnern,
glücklich und zugleich traurig, aber Norbert nie vergessen lassen.🌈
Unser tiefes Mitgefühl mit einer liebevollen Umarmung senden Uli und Marina sowie Irene und Peter
Lynn Martin says
Oh Evie, I am so sorry to hear of Norbert’s passing. But I will chose to remember the wonderful times we all had first on the lake and then at IPJ. Ah the stories we have to I remember. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jutta wiemeler says
Wir denken an Euch und Beten für euch.
Jutta und Heri (Schwägerin und Schwager von Sigrid)
Jeff Lynn says
I was deeply saddened to hear of Norbert’s passing. My prayers are with Evelyn and the family. As the former manager of the Lincolnton,Lincoln County Regional Airport, I was fortunate to have Norbert and Evelyn as tenants. Norbert was extremely intelligent and friendly. We made several “handshake” agreements and we both stood by them. He was a gentleman of his word. His wife Evelyn is one of the nicest people I have ever met and it was obvious that she adored Norbert.
Bo Johnson says
A truly wonderful human being. Even though so accomplished and so smart so very kind and generous with his time and talents. He will be sorely missed by the Lincoln County Airport community and by all who knew him.
Paul Miller says
My Family and I are so sorry at Norbert’s sudden passing on and grieve with you, Evelyn. we all had nearly 50 years with him. One could not ask for a better or more steadfast friend, whether working, flying or everyday living he was good to be around. I’ll miss him, too.
Carlo Cesa says
Just found out about the sad news and would like to express my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to you, Evelyn, and your family in these difficult times.
I will always remember the memorable encounters with Norbert, in his hangar with all the P3s, and the dinner when I stayed at your home during a stopover enroute to Oshkosh. God Bless,
Psalm 23:1