Norbert Carl Talg, age 99, died Nov. 19, 2015 at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro, WI.
Norbert “Norb” was born March 23, 1916 in Wonewoc, WI to Louis (LW) and Esther (Wellman) Talg. Norb was raised in the beautiful hills and valleys of Wonewoc with his sister, Anita, and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from Wonewoc High School in 1933. Norb was united in marriage to the love of his life, Fern V. Gehri, May 11, 1941 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and shared 63 years together until Fern was taken to be with her Lord in 2004. Together they had one son, Gary. Norb worked from early childhood with his grandfather, father, and uncle in the family owned Talg’s Mill in Wonewoc establish in the late 1800’s. The building stands strong and proud today with the traditional architecture which Norb was able to view each day from his kitchen window. Norb served his country proudly with the United States Army Air Corps (Radar Division within the Infantry) before returning home with Fern to raise their son, Gary, and work in the feed mill for over 50 years until he retired and sold the mill in 1989.
Norb and Fern shared many passions together during their 63 years of marriage; the love of fishing, antiquing, and traveling both domestic and abroad were only a few. They loved to speak of their adventures and the many collections of clocks, miniature lamps, and glassware. Many laughs and stories could be heard echoing across the quiet waters of the Lemonweir River where they had a cottage retreat and made countless memories with family and friends.
Norb was a servant of the Lord his entire life, and his spiritual faith was felt in every conversation and act of kindness that he did throughout his life. He was active with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church from early on until his final days and held office as past church counsel representative. Norb was also a member of Wonewoc American Legion, Wonewoc Village Board, Wonewoc Area Businessman’s Association, and served as a Wonewoc Area Fireman for over 40 years.
Before and after retirement, Norb and Fern kept active with their shared interests of gardening, card clubs, cooking and baking, and his love of fine carpentry work. Norb also enjoyed music and was a tuba player with the Wonewoc Town Tones in the open air Friday night band concert tradition. The “Big Band” sound was a favorite, and together the two would travel to listen to the great orchestras of the era.
Norb lived independently in his home that he built for his family until age 99. He was blessed with the beautiful soul of “Jo,” his home caregiver in the last four years of his life. With Jo’s loving care and constant attentiveness, he was able to keep active in his home and in the community and always welcomed a smiling face at the door and conversation of years gone by. His strong faith in Jesus Christ sustained his long life, giving him knowledge of Scripture in all times of trouble and in peace.
Norbert Talg was a loving and caring husband, father, son, uncle, and family man and a third generation seasoned business man and community leader. A more wonderful and giving soul is found in no other, Norb touched the heart of each and every person that met him. Norbert Talg lived!
Norbert is survived by son, Gary Talg of Milwaukee, WI; sister-in-law, Violet and (Burt) Lancaster of Toledo, OH; brother-in-law, Virgil and (Vera) Gehri of Wonewoc, WI; sister-in-law, Janet and (Ronnie) Ott of Wonewoc, WI; brother-in-law, John and (Audrey) Gehri of Wonewoc, WI; special niece and caregiver, Julie Ott of Wonewoc, WI; special friend and caregiver, Tammy Jo Havlik of Hillsboro, WI; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Peter Snyder officiating. Burial with full Military Honors performed by American Legion Post #206 will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 at Thompson Funeral Home, Wonewoc, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Norb’s name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Thompson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
