Norris D. Breitbach

OREGON - Norris Duane Breitbach, age 92, of Oregon, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025. He was born December 19, 1932, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Charles and Gertrude Breitbach. He was united in marriage to Ilah Olson on June 20, 1959.

Norris grew up on a farm in Iowa and after serving in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean war, attended Cornell College (where he played football), Lawrence University, St. Norbert College, and Palmer College of Chiropractic where he earned his chiropractic degree. Norris and Ilah moved to Oregon, Wis., in 1961, where he opened up a chiropractic office after determining it would be a great place to raise a family. He was a chiropractor for almost 60 years and was trusted by many patients including his own family who would frequently ask at family gatherings, “Dad/Grandpa, can I get checked?” and he would happily oblige. He earned the designation of Distinguished Fellow of both the International Chiropractors Association and the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic, and was President of the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association. His youngest son, John, also a chiropractor, now runs the office Norris started.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 60 years serving in many roles over the years. As a dedicated Christian, his faith was extremely important to him. Norris was also very active in his community. He supported the Oregon Chamber of Commerce and recently was recognized for his 60 years of dedication to that organization. He was a member for 39 years of the Oregon-Brooklyn Optimist Club. He also served as President of the Oregon Athletic Booster Club along with many other volunteer positions over the years.

Norris had many hobbies he enjoyed. He golfed in a league until he was 90 and sponsored an annual Breitbach Open golf event for his family. He enjoyed fishing and taught it to his sons and grandchildren. He played in numerous euchre card clubs with Ilah. He enjoyed watching many Wisconsin sports teams, especially the Badgers, Brewers and Packers and enjoyed going to the Rose Bowls. He was also a dedicated spectator at his sons’ and grandchildren’s sporting events, even when the weather wasn’t always pleasant.

Norris had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease and joke with friends and family. He loved to travel, spending winters in Mesa, Ariz., and touring various European countries. He thoroughly enjoyed Ilah’s cooking, especially creamed asparagus on toast, and when he ate out, his favorite meals were liver and onions and Culvers. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends and always gave a heartfelt greeting whenever they arrived.

Norris is survived by his three sons, Jim (Barb Gould) Breitbach, Jeff (Rachel), and John (Kelly); six grandchildren, Ben, Samantha, Sydney, Abby, and Alex (Ana Gabrielli) Breitbach, and Ryan (Meghan) Blatterman; two great-grandchildren, Payton and Liam Blatterman; his youngest brother, Paul (Genevieve) Breitbach; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ilah; and his brothers, Dean, Louis, Bob, and Raymond.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Skaalen Heights, Magnolia Gardens and Agrace for their compassionate care for Norris.

A funeral service will be held at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon, Wis., at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025. Burial will follow at Oak Hall Cemetery in Fitchburg, with a luncheon to follow at the church. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Norris’ name to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to Agrace HospiceCare.

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

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515