Noah Norton Obituary

Noah David Norton of Menomonie, Wis. passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on Friday, April 7, 2017. He was 40 years old. Within minutes of his passing, there was a Willie Nelson record on the turntable, and whiskey in the glasses of those around him, celebrating and toasting an extraordinary life.
    Noah was born in December 1976 in Lake City, the second boy to be born that day. His twin brother Josh was born at home, Noah in the local hospital.
    He graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City, and after a year in Duluth, attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a place that he would professionally return to, becoming an associate professor and program director of industrial design. He received his graduate degree from the University of Illinois.
    As much as he was respected for his talent and dedication to his students, his compassion and sense of understanding were what made him so loved. He was quick with a joke, and had a smile that made it near impossible not to like him instantly. He was immensely kind, and had a depth of spirit that was hard to believe existed in just one person.
    He was an explorer and adventurer, traveling to places like Austria, Hawaii, Russia, Denmark and Spain, and jumping off of cliffs on Madeline Island. Playing in bands for most of his life, he collected everything from vinyl records and bass guitars to an impressive amount of KISS memorabilia. He loved reading comics in the bathtub, hikes with his wife and dog and long runs in the countryside. He’d meet you at a local tavern, or climb a tree in the middle of the night. Ever the competent canoeist, he’d be ready in an instant for a trip down the Red Cedar or St. Croix. He made the world better, kinder and more humble, and struck a chord in those who knew him that will reverberate for the rest of their lives.
    Noah is survived by his wife, Dana Cowan; his brothers, Josh and Zack; his parents, Butch and Sara; and his sisters-in-law, Eliesa Woggon and Laura Burr.
    A memorial is scheduled at The Creamery in Downsville, Wis. on Saturday, April 22, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.