Norman Wright

2 Photos/FlagWright, NormanMADISON-Norman Wright, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. He was born on Jan. 31, 1923, in Fitchburg, the son of Edwin and Rose (Schwarz) Wright. Norm served in the U. S. Navy on the U. S. S. Leedstown during World War II, in the Pacific Theatre. He married Ellen Wright on Jan. 10, 1948, and they resided in South Madison where they raised their 14 children. Norm worked as a police officer for the City of Madison for 28 years, retiring as a sergeant. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church. Norm loved to work in his garden, taking trips to the casino in Dubuque, and playing cribbage. He was awarded No. 1 Cribbage Player in the United States by the American Cribbage Congress in 1983. He looked forward to playing cribbage with the Grassroots Cribbage Club, and the annual national cribbage competitions in Reno, Nev. Norm was a very proud, hard working man. He looked forward to coming home to the love of his life, Ellen. Norm was able to spend time with each of his children and created special bonds with his grandchildren in his retirement. He had a great sense of humor with a twinkle in his eye. Norm is survived by 13 children, Norman (Elizabeth) Wright, David (Linda) Wright, Nancy (David) Henderson, Mary (Kenneth) Rasmussen, Richard Wright, Patricia (Lawrence) Rasmussen, Daniel (Grace) Wright, Jennifer (Jeff) Rothamer, James Wright, Janet Johnson, Paul (Sue) Wright, Carol (Karl) Morgan and Kathy (Ron) Schwenn;28 grandchildren;17 great-grandchildren;siblings, Edwin (Julia) Wright, Elaine Wright, Wilbur (Delores) Wright and Stan (Cathy) Wright; and sister-in-law, Betty Wright.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen; a daughter, Judith; and brother, Don.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, with Monsignor Tom Baxter presiding. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, with military rites conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, with a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. The Norman Wright family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sienna Crest and HospiceCare for the compassion and care they provided Norm in his final years, allowing him to die with dignity, surrounded by his loving family. Cemetery: Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, with military rites conducted. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, with a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, with Monsignor Tom Baxter presiding.