Richard C. Norgord

COTTAGE GROVE- Richard C. “Dick” Norgord, age 85, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. He was born on June 13, 1938, in Madison, Wis., the son of Evan and Clara (Strommen) Norgord, the youngest of their eight children. He enjoyed a close bond with his gregarious and loving family that later gathered frequently to celebrate the holidays and family reunions.

Dick grew up on the shores of Lake Monona and graduated from Madison East High School in 1956. He then continued his studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison earning a bachelor's degree in Business. He was united in marriage to Joan Mathy on June 26, 1965, in Mazomanie.

Dick and Joan eventually made their home on a farm in Lodi in 1967. They added a wing to the house, grew a garden, corn, horses, and delighted in raising their children, daughter Jackie and son Evan. In 1970, they built a house in Columbus, Wis. with Dick acting as the general contractor. Dick was as comfortable on a tractor or snowplow as he was behind a desk, and he relished being in the great outdoors. Together, Dick and Joan traveled the world. They visited Central America by cruise ship and explored Europe with friends. Later on, they also fostered the love of travel in their children, beginning with trips across the United States.

Dick’s children learned by example from his passion for learning and taking on new hobbies (like horseback riding), his ability to make friends everywhere he went, and the kindness and compassion he always showed to others.

Dick began his career with Wisconsin Cheeseman in 1967, retiring as the Executive Vice President in 1990. He also served time on the Board of Directors for Columbus Hospital. In retirement Dick enjoyed downhill skiing, golfing and spending time with his grandchildren, reading books to them and driving them to and from swimming lessons.

Dick is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Evan Norgord; daughter, Jackie (Sebastian Andreatta) Norgord; grandchildren, Alexandra, Maxwell, Brooklyn and Madelyn Norgord, Jordan, Conrad and Thaddeus Claassen; great-grandchildren, Hadley, Harriet, and Juan Augustine Claassen; sister, Ruth Pesch; brother, James (Beth) Norgord; and sister-in-law, Virginia Norgord. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evan and Clara; brothers, George "Bud" Norgord and Evan (Doris) Norgord Jr.; sisters, Audrey (Bob) Simon, Dorothy (Ted) Ellestad and Cathryn (Walter) Seeliger; and brother-in-law, Frank Pesch.

A celebration of life will be held at FLYNN HALL, 116 W. Reynolds St., Cottage Grove, Wis., at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024.  

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420