Racine – Brian Lloyd Norby, age 43, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2015 – a true warrior in the fight of esophageal cancer.
Brian was born in Racine on April 9, 1971 to the late David and Gloria (nee: Svendsen) Norby. He received his education from Walden, Horlick and Gateway. Shortly after Brian’s mother passed away in 1984, his Dad founded Norby & Sons Moving Company. Although Brian was only 13 years old, he became devoted to working in the family business as a self-proclaimed “moving specialist” and was influential in building Norby & Sons into what it is today. With a tireless work ethic, Brian was also employed as a machinist at In-Sink-Erator since 2003.
On April 28, 2001 at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Brian was united in marriage with the love of his life, Denise Lee (nee: Hopkins). Brian and Denise loved traveling on the open roads together on their Harley. Family, friends, bonfires, nieces & nephews were just a few of his passions. He was a proud member of the national chapter of the Harley Owners Group. Brian will be remembered for his free-spirit, strength, infectious laugh and his love for people of all walks of life. The gentle giant that he was, Brian always placed the needs of others before his own. Even during his own time of illness, he continued to care for and cater to all of his family & friends.
Surviving are his loving wife, Denise; sisters & brothers, Cheryl Mycon, Arley (Joan) Norby, Linda Norby, Craig Norby, Pam (Crystal) Norby, Todd Norby, Mark Norby and Donna Jean “D.J.” Norby; adored nieces & nephews; Denise’s parents, Richard & Sandra Hopkins; brother-in-law, Richard (Christine) Hopkins; sister-in-law, Janette Hopkins; special niece of whom was like a younger sister, Nicole Norby; dedicated friends, Mark Balwinski, Dave Sanchez, Greg Harris and Craig Lee; other relatives, co-workers, and many dear friends – way too numerous to mention all by name. In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Mary Norby; and brother-in-law, Victor Mycon.
Funeral services celebrating Brian’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 5:00 pm (please come with a memory or short story about Brian to share). Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. In the spirit of Brian, all are encouraged to wear Harley-Davidson attire to the service.
A special note of thanks to everyone who stood shoulder to shoulder with Brian as he bravely fought for his life. Thanks to all of our family and friends for the food, gifts, prayers and other acts of kindness during this past difficult year. Brian was so very appreciative and truly loved all of you!
Debra Gorman says
Brian I am so glad God raised you up & brought you home. Free to ride.Yoy are truly loved & will be missed. Till we meet again
Al & MaryEllen Cole says
With heavy hearts Al & I want to express our deepest sympathies to Denise as well as all of Brian’s family on Brian’s passing. We were so fortunate to be able to spend time with him recently, and will always remember his beautiful smile. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time.
Troy DeGroot says
See you again. Prayers to Brian’s family.
Jim & Ginny Blazek says
Brian was a great guy to work with and always pleasant to work near. Will miss him and send our sincere condolence to all the family.
Victor Moreno says
Please except my deepest regret in the passing of such a fine young man. I am sure Brian will be known for his kindness and generosity that he has portrayed to his friends and family. I think we all know that if God needed a faithful follower and strong warrior Brian was a man.
mary land says
I consider myself lucky to have known Brian. He was so brave and optimistic as he faced this difficult challenge. He truly was and inspiration to all. He lived and loved his life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed. my deepest sympathy to Denise, Nicole, Arley, Joan and the whole Norby family. love you guys
Dan & Kim Hansler says
from u smiling all the time n just ur attitude toward life and people in general is to b admired. I know Dan grew up with all of u but I was welcomed with open arms even though we couldn’t c u all that often. It was great when we did.
U will b truly missed, we need more with ur mind set. RIP Brian!!!
Thoughts n prayers to the family.
Edie & Aaron Kozlik says
Brian was one of kind, & will truly be missed by many! Thoughts & prayers to the entire Norby family & friends near & far. It was an honor to have said Brian was a friend.
Our condolences,
Edie, Aaron & Family
Gail Yuhas says
Thank you and Denise for all your visits we had so much fun. You will truly be missed I love you. Denise your always welcome any time if you just want to get away for some southern peace and quiet.
Hanief and Christie Young says
Terry Unterbrink says
Brian touched so many people during his lifetime. He will not be forgotten but will remain in all of us who knew him. A remarkable man taken too soon. Condolences to the family.
Pam Klemm says
You may have left our lives but you will never leave our hearts Brian. It was a blessing to have known you. My condolences to your entire family.
Barb Coates says
Brian was a great guy, always had a smile on his face. He was a fighter,he will be missed. Denise and family you have my deepest Sympathy.
Dawn Johnson says
My 💔 is breaking for the entire Norby Family.The 🌏 has lost another great man, but heaven has just gotten better! Brian will always be in our hearts and in our memories! Never will he be forgotten! My deepest regrets to Denise and family I will not be able be there Saturday! I will stop and have a quiet moment in Brian’s memory on Saturday night! If there is anything I can do let me know. Hugs! Love Dawn Johnson
Beth Harris says
Denise, please know how much your husband was loved. He was a special person inside and out. Always smiling and enjoying the journey that is life. Brian you will be missed by so many.
Michelle Combs says
Our thoughts and prayers to the Norby family in this time of grief. Brian was a great guy. He will be deeply missed.
Keith & Ingrid,Tyler says
Denise there are no words to tell you how sorry i am for your loss but i want the world to know that my cuz Brian was one of the strongest and bravest men i have ever known he faced this ugly illness and did not even give up on his self one bit god must have a plan for him REST IN PEACE BRIAN WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU
Christine Golden says
To the entire Norby Family the Entire family of Ms. Christine Golden would like to send their most Deepest Sympathy with the loss of you beloved Brian he will truly be missed. But always keep the faith because God will get you through anything.
Big J (Miller) says
Christina Munoz says
Brain .. I’m greatful to have known u as my friend .. God has opened his doors for you so u could have a place in heaven .. May u find peace knowing u were loved by many ppl .. RIP my friend
Sue &Ralph Bonn says
Denise, Ralph and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you and the Norby Family. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Sue & Ralph Bonn says
Denise, Ralph & I are so sorry to hear about Brian. He always had a smile for everyone. So sorry for you and Brian’s family.
Sue & Ralph Bonn says
Denise, Brian always had a smile and kind word for everyone. He will be missed by all of us. So sorry for your loss.
CLYDE & JOANNE DEGROOT says
“OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE NORBY FAMILY ESPECIALLY DENISE.BRIAN WILL BE SADLY MISSED.MAY GOD COMFORT THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW AND LOSS. HE IS IN HEAVEN NOW WITH GOD AND NOT SUFFERING OR IN PAIN ANYMORE.
Lori, Aunt Lorraine & Jenn (Miller) says
We are so sorry to hear about Brian, he was such a good guy, always had a Beautiful smile, even to the end, he was a fighter,He had a heartof gold and loved his family dearly…When you look up at stars, he is the brightest one watching over all of you..Cherish the Memories of him, that helps helps a lot. And know that he would want you to go on with your life.. You are all in our thoughts & prayers–
Rick & Trina Svendsen says
Brian’s smile is in the clouds and he is with everyone in the family today. Thoughts and prayers in this time of grief, but soon happy memories will bring smiles. Love to all of you. 😍
jodi baker says
I’m certain that his smile is in our hearts, his spirit is in the wind and there is another shining star in the sky! Thank you for letting us know you Brian !
jodi baker says
Dave Dobrowski says
Rest in peace Brian. I will always remember the good times we had at work.