Richard Allen Norby

Richard Allen Norby

ESCANABA — Richard Allen Norby, 78, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at D.J. Jacobetti Michigan Veterans Home in Marquette, after a long illness.

The youngest of three children, Richard was born on December 13, 1946 in Escanaba to Donald and Violet Norby. He graduated from Holy Name High School in 1966 and volunteered to join the army, where he served two terms in Vietnam, including Saigon. On May 5, 1973, Richard married the love of his life, Faye Pakarinen, to whom he was married almost 52 years.

Richard retired after 30 years from Mead paper mill where he drove heavy equipment in the woodyard. A proud Yooper, he loved rummage sales, stock car races, old cars, convertible club, wintering in Florida, attending the UP State Fair, and spending time with the guys at Camp 30 South hunting camp. But he loved his devoted wife most of all. He will be remembered as a dependable father and  friend who was there when you needed him.

Richard is survived by wife; his sister, Helen Creten; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (John) Panko, Julie Lang, Debra (Les) Stock; his sons, Donald Schrader, Raymond Norby, and Matthew (Veronica Zahn) Norby, his granddog, Koda, a community of close friends, and nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; his brother, Gerald; his siblings-in-law, Jim Lang and David and Paula Pakarinen; and his beloved dog, Tukeers.

A big round of applause goes out to Dr. Michael Keeker and his staff at Gladstone VA Center, Dr. Denise Steiner and her staff at the Iron Mountain VA Center, and the whole staff and family at D.J. Jacobetti Michigan Veterans Home for all the great care given to Richard over all the years.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will conclude visitation at 4 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to an organization close to your heart in honor of Richard. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Norby family. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com