Obituary of William Norton

William Bennett Norton William B. "Bill" Norton, age 85, of Morris, IL , passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, Thursday, June 16, 2011. He was born May 24, 1926 in Monroe, WI to the late Katherine (Bennett) and John Leo Norton and was raised on his family's dairy farm in Juda, WI. He was a graduate of Juda High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he met his wife Rosemary Reilly. Bill was a US Army veteran who, after being honorably discharged, began a career in banking, spanning six decades. He served the First National Bank of Joliet, First National Bank of Morris as President and continuing in that role when the bank was acquired by First Midwest Bank. He retired as Chairman of the Board of the Exchange Bank, subsequently acquired by Standard Bank and Trust Co. of which he remained a member of the Advisory Board. He was also Chairman of the Sheridan State Bank and current owner of Nettle Creek Country Club. Active in the community, he was a 50 year Rotarian, member of various banking boards, professional and fraternal organization. Bill enjoyed serving the community as well as the many relationships forged over the years. He is survived by Rosemary, whom he married February 14, 1953 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet; four daughters, Susan (Andy) Brickell of Houston, TX., Patricia (Garner) Anderson of Rapid City, SD, Dr. Sally Norton (Dr. Bonnie Baxter) of Rochester, NY and Nancy (Scott) Ammer of Morris, IL. Proud grandfather of James and Mary-Claire Brickell; Ingrid and Fiona Anderson; Evan Norton; Emily and Bennett Ammer. One brother, Roger (Joyce) Norton of Oconomowoc, WI, one sister, Naomi (Oliver) Miller of Broadhead, WI, cousin, Dr. Joe Ganshert and many nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dr. John (Marley Jo) Norton. Bill enjoyed farming, traveling with his wife, conversation over coffee, his annual hunting and fishing trips and family time, especially at the lake "cabin". He was a wonderful husband, father, papa and friend. Funeral services for Bill Norton will be Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Preferred forms of memorials are Immaculate Conception School, or the Immaculate Conception Parish Building Fund. Visitation Monday 4-7 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 1201 W. Rt. 6 at Deerpath Dr., Morris For information (815) 942-5040