Norbert "Norb" West

Norbert “Norb” West, Appleton, passed away peacefully at Willow Lane Assisted Living comforted by his wife Carol and his children. He was born on January 11, 1932, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Weber) West. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Menasha.

On July 12, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart Marie Theresa Gasser. They were married more than 30 years. They were blessed and raised five wonderful children. Two of their fun activities were Square Dancing every week and camping with family and friends. Norb bought a trailer and camped at Berry Lake for a total of 26 years.

Norb was in the retail dairy business for 36 years. He was a founding member of St. Pius X church and was on the church council maintenance committee. He was also a long-time member of Kiwanis. After he lost his first wife, he joined a singles group where he led many of the people to try dancing and camping, including their children. He was the instigator for many parties and good times. Before he retired, he tried his hand at selling real estate where he worked his way to the top.

Throughout Norb’s life his love of card games took a prominent place. Norb loved to play Skat, a German card game. He made the trek to Hilbert two to three times a week to play Skat where he maintained many friendships. He also went to Canada and Texas for tournaments with his buddies. He played many different card games. Norb was an awesome painter. He painted the inside of our house and garage in Appleton and Texas, including the ceilings. He delighted the people at The Thompson Center with roses from his garden every week for the highest winners.

In 2001 he met Carol Mickelson at a Singles Event. They were married on Valentines Day in 2003 at the Pilgrims' United Church of Christ in Fruitland Park, Florida. Later that year they decided to try Brownsville, Texas for a few winter months and they continued to make the trip until June of 2020. Many new friends were made there.

Norbert will be greatly missed by his loving wife Carol of 20 years, three sons, Norbert, Jr. (Linda), Steve (Karen), Andy (Donna), two daughters, Joan Hartstern (Chuck Salamun), and Barb West, He is further survived by twelve grandchildren, Jenny (Jason) Fryer, Jim (Stacey) West. Steve (Karen) West, Amy Jo Hartstern (Tom Doulong), Tony Hartstern, Dr. Kat Hartstern, Kay (Tim) Flood, Dave Lutzewitz, Ray Lutzewitz, Tim Lutzewitz, Nikki (Jon) Rappley, Mandi (Joel) Bonack and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Lane Assisted Living and AseraCare for their support and loving care.

Services will take place at St. Pius X (500 West Marquette St. Appleton, WI) on December 20. Visitation will begin at 10am until the time of service at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Norbert’s name.