Norbert J. Virlee, age 94, of Sturgeon Bay passed away Tuesday evening (August 21, 2012) at Golden Living Center-Dorchester following a short illness.
He was born in Sturgeon Bay on June 7, 1918 to Alfred and Josephine (Mallien) Virlee. On September 7, 1942 he married Helena Beard, with whom he was about to celebrate 70 years of marriage. Norb proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Baxter. He worked for Lawrence Meat Market in Sturgeon Bay, and Virlee Carpet and Linoleum until they moved to Milwaukee in 1955 where he was a butcher and meat market manager for National Foods for 21 years; thus the nickname “Meathead” as he liked to introduce himself. In 1976 Norb and Helena returned to Sturgeon Bay but spent most of their retirement winters in Paisley, FL. He worked for two years at PBI until his retirement.
Norb had a passion for building and fixing things and was an accomplished carpenter, plumber, electrician and mechanic; he loved any job where he could use his hands and analytical mind. He also loved to travel.
Norb is survived by his wife, Helena; his sister, Agnes Simon; four daughters, Vicki (Dale) Ziarek, Mary (Gary) Hansen, Kathy Stein, Helen Dickens (Alan Molk); one son, Bob (Renee) Virlee: grandchildren Nicole Dante, Stephanie Dickens, Dustin Stein, Brad Dickens, Matt (Tori) Virlee, Mitch Virlee; three step-grandchildren, Desiree Dante, Gabe Stein and Sarah Molk; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Louis (Ann) and Lawrence (Genevieve) Virlee; and brother-in-law, Donald Simon; nephew, Mike Virlee.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (September 1, 2012) at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Konkol OFM officiating. Military honors will follow the mass at the church.
A celebration of his life will be held for family and friends from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday (September 2, 2012) at the Egg Harbor Town Hall.
Memorials may be given in his memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Peninsula Belgian American Club.
Sign online guestbook and offer condolences at http://www.huehnsfuneralhome.com/.
