Donald S. Norton

Donald S. Norton, 82, of Rockford, went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2008 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Donald was born October 10, 1926 in Manistee, Michigan the son of Fred and Agnes (Sorensen) Norton.  Donald married Joan Johnson on November 14, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford.   Donald graduated from Central Michigan University and was a huge fan. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II and worked at Barber-Colman for 36 years as a Sales Engineer. Donald was an avid golfer, reader, gardener, walker, loved to travel, and was an usher and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.   Donald is survived by his wife, Joan (married 54 years his children, Diane (David) Gregory, David (Cyndie) Norton, Mary Ann (Ernie) Pohl, and Paul (Kelly) Norton; his grandchildren, Gina (Chuck) Beaver, Lisa Gregory, Brandon (Aleesha) and Lindsey Pohl, and Kallie, Whitney, Brady, Colin, Delaney and Kieffer Norton. Don was recently blessed with three great-grandchildren, Aubree, Addison and Chloe.  He was predeceased by his parents; an infant grandson, Doug; and his sister, June.  The family wishes to  sincerely thank the OSF Hospice Team for such constant and compassionate care.   Funeral services for Donald will be held on Saturday, Dec.13, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Kathy Whitney officiating.  Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 from 6:00 8:00 P.M. and on Saturday from 8:30 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State, Rockford, IL 61102. May God bless him and He will. Family and friends may