Ronald “Ron” Norton, age 83, of Sheboygan, WI, went to the great tool bench in the sky on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on August 17, 1942, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, WI, to Lewis and Florence Norton (Burton). Ron lived a full life marked by his long career as a maintenance engineering supervisor in the leather tanning industry — a job that left him with permanent callouses, a tolerance for smells no one else could stand, and a work ethic that made the rest of us look lazy.
Above all, he was defined by his enormous love for family, his ability to put up with all their nonsense, and his uncanny gift of fixing nearly everything… except maybe his Jeep’s faulty electric system. He was happiest riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, or remodeling his home, which he loved almost as much as he loved his family. Ron will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his humor, and his stubborn refusal to throw anything away “because it might come in handy.”
Ron is survived by the light of his life and soulmate of 62 years, Sandra “Sandy” Norton (Beahm), who honestly deserves sainthood for putting up with him that long; his daughters Wendy Prinsen and Tammy Miller (Bryan); and his son Chad, lifelong pain-in-his-rump.
He was a proud grandfather to Zachary Norton, Tanner Prinsen, Hunter Prinsen, Trista Raspa (Andrew), Brittnie Schilke (Harry), and Chelsey DePalma, and is lovingly reunited in heaven with two grandchildren who passed before him, Kyle Fredericks and Zoee Norton. He is further survived by his great-grandchildren — Tayla and Avin Raspa; Blake, Isabella, and Chase Schilke; Gianna DePalma; and Keegan and Ophelia Prinsen, all who brought him joy and kept him on his toes.
Ron grew up in a large and lively family. He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers and sisters. He is survived by seven siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who will carry on his memory. He was also blessed with lifelong friendships and beloved in-laws, including the late Gerald Krenn and Mike Flitcroft, as well as James Deanovich and his life-long best buddy, Richard Capello.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Knapp, D.O., Dr. Marium Khan, M.D., and all of the doctors, nurses, assistants, and emergency responders who cared for Ron with warmth and professionalism from beginning to end.
As per Ron’s wishes, there will be no immediate service or gathering. He has been cremated, and the family will host a Celebration of Life in his honor at a later date. Friends and family will be invited to share memories, swap stories, and debate which of his projects was the most half-finished.
