Norbert Bykowski Obituary

Father Bykowski married my wife Linda and me August 18, 1984, at Main Post Chapel, Fort Bragg, NC. It was at a Catholic Mass at which he was the celebrant. At the time he was Chief of Chaplains at Fort Bragg. A wonderful advisor, celebrant, and friend.

Linda and I left Fort Bragg for Berlin, Germany shortly thereafter and, upon return stateside in 1988, Father Norbert had also been reassigned, so we lost contact.

I found his obit while 'surfing the net' and was saddened to hear of his passing, but it was a joyful memory to recall our wedding day, marriage, and our assignment together at the home of the Airborne.

Linda passed away last year, so I am confident they are spending eternity together in Our LORD's presence. Rest in peace, my beloved. And rest in peace Father Norbert. Thank you!

Tom Ferguson
Santa Clarita, CA

I first met Rev. Bykowski in July of 1961 when he was commissioned in the Army Reserve and was assigned to the 335th Infantry Regiment, a Chicago Reserve unit, to which I also belonged. Although we were not together very long, I never forgot what a fine gentleman he was.

My family first met Father By at Fort Ben Harrison in Indianapolis. We loved his sermons. When I was taking high school speech he helped me immensely in preparing for the speeches I had to give. When we moved to Chicago he came and visited us many times. The highlight of our times with him was when he said mass for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. May God bless you Father and rest in peace. It was a pleasure and an honor knowing you. You will definately be missed.

Thanks to Lori we had a wonderful reunion when we visited IL this past June, 2008 never knowing it would be our last time face to face. You were and are a good man to us. May you rest in peace. We will visit in 2009 when in IL and St. Adalberts.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. It was an honor to serve as CH Bykowski's secretary. His wealth of knowledge and passion for the people he served will forever be remembered. I will miss the yearly visits and lunch together. Rest in peace! We shall meet again in Heaven and what a joyous celebration that will be. Blessings

Immediately upon joining Our Lady of the Valley Parish as Command Chaplain of Redstone Arsenal, Father Bykowski established himself as truly our pastor, in every sense of the word. We still fondly remember his brilliant, pertinent, and unique sermons. Father B, I pray that eventually I may again tease you about the intolerably arctic Chicago weather, while you tease me about the insufferably torrid Alabama weather.

We were participants at a conference for Religious Education Directors some years before you were assigned as Post Chaplain at Redstone Arsenal where I was the DRE. It was such a joy to work for you, and to learn from you. Your homilies were interesting and (as you said) brief! You were always kind and fair. One day you said you had decided to get a cat. We went to the vet that day and picked up Little Bit. On the way to your quarters, you announced to the cat that thenceforth her name would be Jezebel. You and Jezebel became fast friends. When you moved to the Chicago area, I was allowed to keep Jezebel for six weeks, until you came to claim her again. Both of you were delighted to be together again.

All your friends in Huntsville, AL looked forward to your yearly visits.
We'll visit again in Heaven, and I look forward to that.

As I was surfing the net I came across a familiar name. I remember Father Norbert from St. Hedwig’s Orphanage, he was one of the best & fun with us kids. My heartfelt condolences to family & friends & all who loved him.

The Mercurio Family is saddened by the news of Fr. Bykowski. St. Mary's was blessed. Our son will really miss talking sports with Father. Every Sunday they had something to say to each other about the Bears. Our prayers are with Fr. and his family.

Father Bykowski was a dear friend to my family. Father Bykowski presided at my wedding eight years ago. He was a caring man with a large heart. He will be missed by many.

We always looked forward to and loved hearing Father Bykowski's sermons at Prince of Peace.
He always seemed to make the sermons interesting and enjoyable.
Now he is with God and has eternal peace.

I served in the US Army with Father Norbert.
From Spring to Fall of 1971 he and i were at OARB, Oakland Army Base, in Oakland Calif.
We served masses together at OARB and made official trips to San Francisco for Mass at Fort Mason and visits to injured Troops at Letterman General Hospital in the Presidio.
Now Fr Norb is saying Mass up above...
Soon We all will be able to Join Him again...
Rest In Peace...
Fondest Regards to His Family...
- Richard Chabowski...
US Army 1970-1972
Specialist Fourth Class
Chaplain's Assitant.

Father Bykowski had been a part of our extended family for many years. We will miss having him for dinner and listening to his many stories.

Dear Fr Bykowski,
Through the years you have made us smile, and have enjoyed your tales and sermons. It meant alot to us when you came to our wife/mother's wake. Thank you

Dear Father Bykowski - We have known you since St. Cornelius and then at Ft Ben Harrison in Indianapolis. You have been a good friend and inspiration to us these many years. You are now in a wonderful place. You will be missed.
Jim and Kathy Abbott

Dear Father,
You will be greatly missed by us at St. Mary's in McHenry. We always looked forward to your sense of humor and your wise words during Mass. May you have a peaceful rest with our Lord.

Rev. Norbert Bykowski

We will deeply miss Fr. Bykowski. Our prayers are with all the family and friends. We always enjoyed his services and the kindness he showed to our family. Heaven has gained a great man.

You will be greatly missed at St. Mary's! You were always kind and never afraid to speak your mind. Your gruff voice hid the gentleness of your spirit. Our prayers are with your family. Your death is a loss to us and a gain to heaven - rest well, worthy soldier of God!

Hello, Old Friend,

You now start a new chapter in your life. I have always been fond of you since we met at St. Hedwig Orphanage. I enjoyed our intellectual conversations and companionship.
Robert Schultz (Chicago,Illinois

Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to all the friends and family who knew and loved Father Norb. He was a gentle and kind man who often helped us here at Christ the King Parish in Wonder Lake. He will be missed!

Fr. Bykowski: Actions speak louder than words. Your actions in the priesthood and especially to the people of St. Mary, McHenry tell your whole life's story. No words can express my thanks to you for all you have done for all of us. May you feel you just reward in the Heavenly Kingdom of God. Be at Peace now.  Love..MARILYNN L. LEAN, THE COLONY, TEXAS

Uncle Norb,
It was a pleasure to have been in your presence and to have been blessed by your wisdom. God bless you and carry you safely home.

You will always be in my prayers.
Say Hi! to Don for me.
Your cousin, Julie

Dear Norbert,
You have been a great help to me over the years...and an even greater friend. The people of St. Mary's parish and I are so blessed to have been touched by you. I pray for your eternal peace. Fr. Tom