Norbert Leslie Oldenburg

MADISON - Norbert L. Oldenburg, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, at SSM Health - St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Feb. 25, 1932, in Madison, the son of Harry and Alma (Zirzow) Oldenburg. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1951 and then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning from Korea, Norb met the love of his life, Virginia "Ginny" Holmes, and they married on Sept. 29, 1956, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Mount Horeb, Wis.

Norb first worked as a truck driver in his father's business, Harry's Transfer, and then assumed ownership of the company upon his father's death. He also owned and operated Statewide Van Lines, drove truck for Gateway Transportation and Liberty Trucking, and was owner/operator of In and Out Auto Care. In his "semi-retirement" Norb was an assistant store manager and clerk for Super America, BP, and other gas stations. Norb continued working until age 87.

Norb was always active. He and Ginny loved to dance at the Moose Lodge, and they enjoyed playing cards with their many friends. Norb coached his four sons during the 10 years he was involved in East Madison Little League. He found great pleasure in designing and building additions to his house. He was an avid bowler for over 60 years. As a high school student in 1949 he helped organize the first sanctioned bowling league at Madison East High School and served as the league's first president. In later years he enjoyed bowling with three of his sons, including winning a league championship with them at age 80.

Norb loved to travel, enjoyed camping with his family and friends, and gardened his whole adult life. Of his many activities, nothing made Norb happier than gathering for holidays and other special occasions with his family. His welcoming smile, dry wit, and enthusiasm for family will always be remembered by those he loved.

Norb is survived by his wife, Virginia (Holmes) Oldenburg; sons, Joseph (Brenda) Oldenburg, Steven (Julie) Oldenburg, Charles (Tracy) Oldenburg, and David (Laura) Oldenburg; daughter, Jennifer (Thomas) Sheahan; grandchildren, Diana Shegonee, Ryan Oldenburg, Marcus (Lauren) Oldenburg, James Oldenburg, Grace Oldenburg, Faith Oldenburg, Curtis Sheahan, Spencer Sheahan and Jacob Sheahan; and great-grandson, Otto Oldenburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lucille (Oldenburg) Brownrigg; his brother, LeRoy Oldenburg; and his twin brother, Norman Oldenburg.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Burial with military rites will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.  

Online condolences made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420