Norris Young

Norris Merrill Young, 97, Wausau, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at North Central Health Care, Wausau.

Norris was born January 30, 1918 in Lansing, Iowa to the late Clarence and Fae (Goodell) Young. He graduated from Stratford High School and began his Electrician training and apprenticeship. Norris married the love of his life, Evelyn Herrick, on August 10, 1940 in Marshfield, WI. They were blessed with five children: Janet, Karen, James, John and Paul. After 67 wonderful years together, Evelyn passed away on November 4, 2007.

Norris was a very independent man with a quiet sense of humor. He lived by the adage; Faith, Family and Friends, in all that he did. Norris selflessly dedicated his time and electrical expertise to building Wausau Bible Church and constantly updating the electrical systems as needed. If he saw a need, Norris would quietly take care of the issue for family and his church, always thinking of others first. Working for K&M Electric for many years saw Norris working on projects such as bringing lighting to the Rib Mountain Ski Area and working on the runway lights at the airport. He was always an active man, snowmobiling, hiking, swimming and cross-country skiing into his 90's.

Norris is survived by his loving children, Janet (Paul) Smith of Rapid River, MI, Karen (Gregg) Zastrow of Cato, WI, James (Nancy) Young of Lake Tomahawk, WI, Paul (Sandra) Young of Wellington, FL; John's fiancé Rose Silang; grandchildren, Christopher (Leslie), Allison (Bill), Jonathan (Kristie), Nicole (Randy), Heather (Kent), Matt (Kristen), Missy, Bee, Cassie, Jesse, Catherine, Sam (Melissa), Danielle (Greg), Kristina, Mike, Debbie (Jorge), Paul (Brenda), Nick, Phil; many great-grandchildren; brother, Nobert Young of Auburndale, WI; sister, Vivian Davis, Highland, WI; sister-in-law, Arlys Herrick of Nekoosa, WI and many extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, John Young; grandsons, Stephen Smith and Marc Young; and great-grandson, Nick, Jr.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Wausau Bible Church (1300 Grand Avenue, Wausau). Pastor Chris Juvinall will officiate. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Friday, October 16 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; resuming at 9:30 AM on Saturday at the church until the time of services. Burial will follow the funeral service at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. You may sign our family guestbook online at helke.com.