Norman Robert Justus

Norman Robert Justus (AKA “Choo-Choo” or “Choochee”)

Norman was called home to his eternal home, at the age of 83, on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, surrounded by loving family and friends. Norman was born on May 30, 1935, to Walter and Frieda Justus, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He was baptized as a child of God at Trinity Lutheran in Sheboygan, on June 9^th, 1935. At the age of 7, the family moved to Milwaukee where Norman attended Emmaus Lutheran School and was confirmed in his faith on April 2, 1950. “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him” 1 Thessalonians 5:10. Norman attended Milwaukee Lutheran High School (the original campus) until his graduation. Norman joined the National Guard while still in High School, and married his sweetheart, Barb, on July 11, 1959, before moving to Tacoma, Washington when he was activated in the Army for the Berlin Crisis.

Moving back to Wisconsin a year later, Norm & Barb decided they wanted a family. On April 19, 1964, son, Scott Norman, arrived and daughter, Vicki Lynn, arrived 3 years later on January 21, 1967. Together this loving family of 4 tackled the world with vigor and enthusiasm. Norman worked for the Milwaukee Road/Soo Line/CP Rail for 40 years doing a variety of jobs like switchman, conductor, and yardmaster. As a family, there were the years of delivery of the Milwaukee Telephone Books (to help with the costs of private school for the kids). After the telephone books there were small papers and magazines. One thing that Norman instilled in his kids, and many others, was the responsibility of work. Not a bad trait to have at all-definitely more appreciated now as adults.

The Justus family resided on the north side of Milwaukee in their home on 61st Street, enjoying time with neighbors, block parties, backyard pool fun, cards with friends, lots of traveling and camping, and so much more. The family enjoyed roller skating fun on a weekly basis as well as bowling. Norm LOVED his bowling and the traveling to ABC Bowling Tournaments with Barb. Aside from all these wonderful times and activities, Norm & Barb were grounded in their faith — passing it on to Scott & Vicki. Regular church attendance at St. Peter-Immanuel Lutheran, family and friend Bible Studies, and even having the kids attend SPL Lutheran School and Milwaukee Lutheran High School. Norm and Barb were also Godparents to many that they took seriously in prayer and care for each of them. Norman retired from the railroad in 1996 hoping to do more traveling with his lovely bride — who always was his life. But as life had it, Norm was diagnosed with Dementia/beginning Alzheimer’s. This was after his major heart surgery which included 5 bi-passes, aorta valve, and carotid arteries. Also having diabetes kept Barb on her toes with all of Norms’ care. In 2016 Norm & Barb sold their life-long home and moved to the Senior Community at Wildwood Highlands in Menomonee Falls. Norm always joked that now he was closer to Community Memorial Hospital (though he really wasn’t thrilled to go there). As his health progressively worsened, the care increased. Barb was forever faithful in caring for Norm, her husband and love of 59 ¾ years. God saw Norms’ struggles and on February 26th, 2019 carried Norm to his Eternal Home. Norm went very peacefully after 3 days of lots of company from family and friends – concluding his full and wonderful life with lots of prayers with Pastor and family around him.

Norman leaves behind his loving wife of 59 ¾ years, Barbara (nee Knippel) Justus; son, Scott Justus (Tracy Shires); daughter, Vicki Ostrowski; grandchildren, Walter (Sara) Ostrowski, Stephanie (Mike) Tonn, Joseph (Kelli) Ostrowski, David (Alicia) Ostrowski; 7 great-grandchildren, Destiny, Walter Jr., Milo, Rowen, Jayden, Sawyer, and Otto; brothers Jim (Sharon) Justus, Dennis (Karen) Justus, Dale (Sylvia) Justus; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Rae) Knippel, Rory (Patti) Knippel, Tony Johnson (Charles Williams), Matt (Sara) Johnson; many nieces & nephews, God-children, family, and friends. Norman was preceded in death by parents Walter & Frieda Justus; sister, Cherie; son-in-law, Roger Ostrowski; sister-in-law, Shannan Benson; brother-in-law, Melvin Benson; nephew, JJ, and other aunts and uncles.

Funeral will be on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at WISCONSIN MEMORIAL PARK, CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES, 13235 West Capitol Drive Brookfield, Wisconsin – Viewing will be from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. A celebration of Norman’s Life at 1:00 PM. Graveside service to follow service.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

One of Norms’ favorite songs by Kool & the Gang.

Norm Celebrates the ultimate Celebration!