Vern R. Norton

Vern R. Norton, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 5, 1936, to Rueben and Martha Norton. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. On December 30, 1960, he married the love of his life, Patricia Shilling, and together they built a life centered on family and hard work. 

He is survived by his three daughters: Teresa (Pete) Cassel of Mecosta, Wendy (Kurt) McHenry of Bellevue, and Jackie (Patrick) Pennington of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

He spent much of his life in the area he called home and was known for his strong work ethic. Over the years, he worked at Air-Way, B&H, Tevilo, and Master-Bilt, where he retired in 1998. In retirement, he stayed active working at Fun Services and Binder Park Zoo as a tram driver. He had a deep love for simple pleasures—mowing the lawn, playing euchre and other card games, planting flowers, and most of all, being around people. He was known for his sense of humor and loved joking with family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Patricia; siblings Leo, Neil, Bob, Sara, Iva, and Dorothy; his half-brother Rolland; and his cherished dog, Lucy. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, Michigan, at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the funeral home from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and again Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the service begins at 11:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, W2850 WI-28, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085.