OREGON - John A. Norwell of Oregon, Wis., passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, after a brief illness. John was born Nov. 8, 1946, to Charles "Chick" and Evelyn Norwell. John grew up in Wausau and moved with his family to Bayfield where he attended high school, graduating in 1964. John then moved to Madison, where he was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Engineering, and graduated in 1970.

John had one brother, Duncan, who predeceased him. John also had two sons, Charles John “CJ” and William. The boys were the light of his life, and he was so proud of both of them. Unfortunately, CJ passed away in 2013. John is survived by his son, Will (Brittany) Norwell;

his wife, Mary Neath Norwell, her daughter, Rebecca Kolb Welch, and Rebecca's family: her husband, Bryant, and two sons, Mason and Fischer. John and Mary would have celebrated 25 years of marriage this April.

John only had four employers as an adult. He worked for Saylo Engineering in Duluth Minn., for six years before moving to Monona, where he was City Engineer. He then became Highway Commissioner of Dane County, a role he loved for 25 years. After his retirement from the County, he sold real estate for First Weber in Oregon for 10 years. While he loved selling real estate and assisting people with their homes, he was an Engineer at heart. He left Mary with the most organized cupboards! And John was always interested in how the public works projects were progressing. A trip with John meant learning more about road maintenance and deficiencies than you ever really wanted to know!!

John loved golf and played from the age of eight. It was a life- long passion. He was still searching for the elusive hole-in-one when he passed. John also enjoyed a trip to the casino, time with friends, and just hanging out watching the Badgers and Packers on TV. John's greatest joy was spending time with Will and Brittany. I do not think any Badgers or Packers sporting event went undiscussed between them. He loved taking "the kids" out to eat and spending time with them. He also enjoyed the time with Rebecca and Bryant and times when the grandkids came to stay. Many cherished memories were made with the entire family over the years.

A funeral service will be held at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, followed by fellowship and refreshments at the church. Burial at a later date will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

John Norwell

November 08, 1946 - March 29, 2024

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