Donald Joseph Norton

Donald (Don) Joseph Norton, 90, lifelong resident of Rockland, passed away on Thursday December 27, 2017 at a local hospital. A loving husband, brother, father and grandfather, he died with his family by his side. Son of Timothy and Alice (Kane) Norton, Don was born on April 26, 1927 at the family farm. He continued his family’s legacy of farming in 1948, when he took over running the family dairy farm from his father. Never one to sit still, Don somehow found time outside the demands of farming to drive truck for the Lincoln Cheese Factory for several years. It was on his butter route that Donald initially met Norma Jean Steinfeldt. Although Norma was a city girl from DePere, she was the perfect match for Donald. After a whirlwind courtship, the couple was married on July 20, 1963, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in De Pere. Donald and Norma would eventually raise 9 children together on their farm. Don was a man of incredible talents and had numerous interests outside of farming. His life-long love of music began with him playing the saxophone in high school and marching in the Silver Coronet Bugle Corp as a young man. Later, Don enjoyed attending live music events for both the Green Bay City Band and the Allouez City band. It is no surprise that his love of music and talent for playing was passed on to many of his children and grandchildren. Don also had the uncanny ability to fix nearly any piece of farm equipment. His creative and innovative adaptations kept the fleet of machinery at the Norton farm up and running. His natural mechanical aptitude and abilities were shared not only with his family, but among many local kids. As a leader with the Brown County 4-H Tractor Project, Don instilled the love of agriculture and mechanical skills with many fortunate club members. Don believed in creating strong ties to the community around him. His dedication to farming and natural leadership lead to positions as President and Board Member with the Brown County FarmCo/Mid Lakes FS. He was also active in town affairs and served on the Town of Rockland Zoning and Planning Board. Don shared a strong commitment to his faith and was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church, DePere. One of Don’s greatest strengths was his ability to converse with people from all walks of life. He had an amazing memory for names and facts; Don was often able to recite details and figures that no one else could recall. His knowledge of local lore and the history of many families in the community is unparalleled. He was a prolific storyteller—he loved nothing more than to sit and “chew the rag” with anyone who stopped by to visit with him. Don’s stories not only entertained his audience, but his vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes brought history to life. An avid reader, Don was especially interested in anything that involved farming, Irish history and local history. Don’s greatest achievement was his dedication as a father and husband. He loved spending time with his nine children and eight grandchildren. He was always curious about their lives and took a keen interest in all of their activities. We will remember Don as a man to emulate. He was a man of great kindness, a man who cared deeply for family and was a loyal friend. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Norma; children: Anne (Don) Kamps and their children Paul and Olivia of De Pere; Kevin Norton of De Pere, Colleen (Jeff) Loppnow and their children Makayla and Caleb of Reedsville; Sean Norton of De Pere; Michael Norton of Madison; Michelle (David) Anderson and son James of De Pere; Noreen (Jeff) Borchardt and their children Colin, Simon and Emerson of Greenleaf; Timothy Norton of De Pere; and Monica Norton of De Pere; brother-in-law Bill Clancy of Greenleaf; and numerous nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Florence Norton, Catherine (Edward) Driscoll, Mary Norton and Agatha Norton and three infant brothers Edward, Joseph and Edwin; his mother and father-in-law Arnold and Odelia Steinfeldt. Norma’s brothers and sisters, Ione (Joseph) Bushmaker, Marie (Melvin) Colson, Bill (Rosalie) Steinfeldt, Warren (Irene) Steinfeldt, Carlton (Dorothy) Steinfeldt, John (Marian) Steinfeldt, Rupert (Delilah) Steinfeldt, Donald Steinfeldt, Shirley Clancy. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Tuesday, January 2, from 3:00pm until 7:00pm. A Shamrock Club service will be held at 6:50pm followed by a Parish Prayer Service at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S Michigan St, De Pere, on Wednesday, January 3, from 10:00am until 11:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. The Norton family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gail Carels, the St. Vincent Hospital 7th floor care staff, and Unity Hospice. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.