Stephen John Norling, age 81, passed away at Villa Pines Living Center, Friendship, WI on Friday, March 5, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born May 15, 1939, on the family homestead just north of Hawkins. His parents were Orville and Sophie (Sekola) Norling. He finished his education in the U.S. Air force and was honorably discharged in 1959. He was proud to say he had over 100 jobs in his life, from trapping as a teen to retiring from Kwik Trip Corp and working as a newspaper reporter in retirement. He married Donna Watts on March 25, 1960. They had four children together. In 1994 he married the love of his life Edie Casey, who survives him.
Throughout his lifetime he was an avid hunter, Fisherman, and general outdoorsman; he particularly enjoyed deer hunting and trout fishing. Later in life, he took up the sport of bird watching.
Stephen is survived by his wife of 27 years, Edie, His four children Bret Norling, Lance Norling, and Wendy Heisz all of Janesville, WI, and his son Grant (Amber) Norling of Lansing, MI. His five grandchildren Derek, Sean, and Mary Heisz, Zachary Norling, and Nichole (James) Westerman. He is also survived by his brothers Wayne (Deb) Norling and Donald Norling and many cousins, nieces, and nephews in his extended family.
Memorial services will be 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 15th, 2021 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams, Wisconsin. Rev. John Krebs will officate. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, May 15th from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. My condolences to Edie and family. Surely had some great times at the refuge and enjoyed all his great reporting back in the’day.