Gerald "Jerry" W. Norris

Gerald “Jerry” “Mr. Norris” W. Norris, age 87, of Green Lake, WI, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023 at his home in Appleton, WI.

Jerry was born on July 29, 1935 in Brandon, WI, son of Harold and Irene (Frei) Norris. He graduated from Waupun High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree at UW-Platteville for his teaching degree and then his Master’s Degree at UW-Stout. Jerry started teaching in Elcho, WI in 1957 and continued at Ripon Middle School in 1960 as Assistant Principal as well as Industrial Arts Teacher until his retirement in 1991. He loved teaching and being a positive influence on his students throughout their lives. During his time as a teacher, he built Jerry’s Woodshed, a furniture repair & refinishing business. He was joined by his soulmate, Gloria Vogt on November 1, 1997 in Big Bear, CA. Jerry was a proud member of the Ripon Lions Club, and was a star pitcher for Red’s Bar’s baseball team for many years. Anyone who knew Jerry, knew there wasn’t anything he wasn’t willing to do.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gloria Norris; his faithful dog, Duke; children, Mark (Tracy) Norris of Wausau, WI, Steven (Kari) Norris of Wausau, WI, Sherri (Mike) Rompala of Clarksville, TN, David Norris of Murrietta, CA, Debra (Mike) Tendick of Appleton, WI and Kathy (Dean) Steffen of Wichita, KS; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Irene Norris; and a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Wayne Cyrus.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at Vines and Rushes Winery, 410 Cty Rd E, Ripon, WI 54971. In lieu of  flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 and Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.