Norbert J Orth, 96 passed away March 28 2018 at Sunny Ridge
Nursing Home Sheboygan
Norbert Life in his own words:
'I was born a twin on a farm in Cleveland Wisconsin on
February 8 1922 to John and Gertrude Orth. My twin brother Gilbert died at the
tender age of three days. I enrolled at St Wendel Catholic School and after
completing eight years of elementary school I completed four years of high
school at Central High in Sheboygan. These were enjoyable days and yet hectic
at times, since my younger, brother, Francis and my younger sister Deloris and
myself were obliged to help with the morning milking before we left for school
in the morning and had to be home immediately after school hours to help with
the evening chores.
In high school I enjoyed singing in a cappella choir and
took a college preparatory course. My enrollment in college, however, was
interrupted by a severe case of mumps and I did not go on to Marquette
University as I had planned, but instead stayed at home to help erect a new
barn.
A year later, I attended the University of Wisconsin Farm
Short Course, and this was perhaps one of the most enjoyable times of my life.
Going to college, because it was such a sharp contrast to the life I had left
in the country which was one of hard work, no nonsense and
self-sacrifice. At the University I took courses in agricultural
engineering, dairy husbandry etc… and joined the glee club.
During the war years, I didn't attend school due to a
shortage of labor and I was deferred to help on the farm; however, I attended
the short course again in 1947 and 1948. This was undoubtedly a wise decision,
because I learned a great deal more about scientific farming. I also enjoyed
the social events at the University, belonging to the Saddle and Sirloin Club,
4-H and sang baritone with the University barbershop quartet. The following
year after attending the University, the opportunity arose whereby we could
purchase two adjoining farms and my brother Francis and I who also attended the
University for 2 years formed a partnership. We called our
enterprise ORTH FARMS.
I took a flock of voice lessons from Madam Bauer at Lakeland College
and did some solo work and directed the St. Wendel Church Choir. The
nicest thing that ever happened to me happened in February of 1957 when the
Manitowoc Jr., Chamber of Commerce presented me with the outstanding young
farmer award for that year. Our farm covered 360 acres, comprising a dairy and
certified seed business.
In February of 1960, I enrolled in a Dale Carnegie course in
Sheboygan and a dangling shoe hanging off the foot of a little girl threw me of
the track! and my bachelor days were over. After a few months of courtship, I
married Betty Jane Heller Raatz in the fall of 1960. Our life was a full
and busy one. I enjoyed remodeling jobs around the house and my wife and I both
sang supporting roles in a music club production of the opera LA
TRAVIATA. We enjoyed and belonged to Pine Hills Country Club and I
enjoyed immensely singing and gatherings with the barber shoppers.
We were blessed with 3 boys: the oldest being Andrew,
Richard and youngest Jamie. Life was full of blessings”
Norbert will be missed dearly by his family and
friends. He unconsciously brought love, laughter and happiness with his
sophisticated demeanor, his charm, his love of music and sing, and his
great dancing ability that awed us all. He will be forever in our hearts.
Norbert is survived by Andrew his son and his girlfriend
Maureen of Cleveland and a son Richard in California. Elaine Orth (wife of
brother Francis): Amy Perry Orth of Cleveland (Mother to grandchildren) Richard
and Somer Orth Sheboygan & Myron Perry Cleveland. 11
Greatgrandchildren: Blake and Kamron Orth; Matthew Jr Orth, Sophia,
Amelia and Levi Orth: Kyle, Emily, Iona, Lexie, and Mason Perry: his very dear
friend Kathy Lider Sheboygan and her children and many other nieces, nephew’s
relatives and friends.
Norbert was preceded in death by his parents: wife Betty
Orth; son Jamie Orth; infant brother Gilbert; brother Francis Orth; sister and
brother-in-law Deloris and Kermit Lutzenberger, Matthew Bertholf Orth and two
nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Norbert at 12:00
p.m. on Wednesday, April 4th at St. Clement Church (522 New York Ave) Sheboygan
Wi 53081, with Fr Matthew Widder Officiating. Burial will follow after a small
luncheon at Saint Wendel Catholic Cemetery in the village of Cleveland.
Friends may call the church on Wednesday April 4th from 10:00 a.m. until the
time of service.
The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Sunny Ridge
for the compassion and care given to Norbert during his stay and a special
thanks to Marcia Lesjack for her great love and outstanding care given to
Norbert before he entered the nursing home.
