David Norton

David Norton

Monticello

David Norton, 89, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in his home. A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Eagles Club in Monticello. There will be a private burial at a later date. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, has taken David and his family into their care. By visiting Goettschonline.com you may share your thoughts, memories and condolences with David’s family and sign the online guest book.

Surviving are his five children, Julie Stiffler, Donna (Kyle Moore) Wenndt, Deb (Lonnie) Chapman, Troy (Ann) Norton, and Todd (Amity) Norton, all of Monticello; grandchildren, Chad (Kelly) Stiffler, Bart (Heidi) Stiffler, Keith (Stacy) Stiffler, Brock (Katie Lanpher) Wenndt, Jennifer (Mark) Speltz, Clint (Andrea) Chapman, Amber (Brian) Rance, Tim (Kendall) Norton, Marcus Norton, Elijah Norton and Malachi Norton; 13 great-grandchildren; and a stepsister, Betty Leitz.

Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Pat; his parents, Josephine and Thomas; brothers, Tommy and George; and sister, Dorothy.

He was born on Oct. 25, 1933, in the Chicago area, moved among various foster homes during his youth, and attended a farm school. He began working for Merle and Ella Kitzmiller, who brought him with them to Iowa. He graduated from Wyoming High School in 1951. Dave and Pat were married on Jan. 17, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Oxford Junction. They farmed near Olin before moving to the Monticello community in 1954. He worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, was a farmhand for Ruhl McComb, worked for White Containers and later Georgia-Pacific until his retirement. He was active in the community, running the chains at football games for 50 years, coaching youth baseball for decades, and attending every sporting event until his health declined. He enjoyed watching the Hawks, Cubs, and Bears. When he wasn’t encouraging young athletes (yelling, “Wheels, wheels, wheels!” as they ran to first base), he enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting, and instilled a love of these in his family. He had a tremendous sense of humor, liked to make jokes, and loved nothing more than spending time with his family. His love was often shown through safety-minded gifts and words of caution (“Look out – be careful!”), and he will be greatly missed.