John Raymond Norbeck passed away May 28, 2021. John was born September 24, 1931 in Burlington, Washington to Chester and Evelyn Norbeck.
John was a Woolley boy growing up in the Sterling addition out near the hospital. He attended Sedro-Woolley High, graduating in 1949. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Skagit Valley College where he played basketball. After college, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War for four years. He owned a gas station in Woolley before becoming an insurance agent. After a short stint with Boeing, he then sold cars for Nelson Chevrolet as well as Sims Ford. In the late 60’s, he got his Real Estate Brokers License working at different offices before opening Cross State Realty that he owned and operated for many years and then worked at various offices until he retired. He was an avid motorcyclist, riding well into his 80’s
as well as a boater; he loved food, never turned down a good dessert and always had a cup of coffee in hand or nearby. At the age of 39, he gave his heart to the Lord and his life was never the same. He met and married the love of his life, Phyllis St. DeLore in 1976. He was a member of Bethel Assembly of God in Sedro-Woolley for many years as well as City Point, then more recently at North Cascade Christian Church. He was a devoted husband, father and friend and loved the Lord Jesus. One of John’s gifts was caring. He was well known for calling friends and family to check in to see how they were doing whether it be after a spouse’s death, a surgery or a grandchild’s sporting event; he always knew what was going on with those he cared about. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Norbeck; mother, Evelyn Carlson and sister, Carol Grussing.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Norbeck; children, Gigi Gerlach, Allison Morelan, Laurie Axelson, Lisa Schiefelbein, Jef St.DeLore and Jennifer Hodgins along with several grand kids and great grand kids.
A Celebration of Life, open house BBQ will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 23900 Hoogdal Road, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of John and sign the online guest register.
Sorry about your death John. I remember you as a quiet Man. May GOD take great care over you.
John was an active man. Had many “irons in the fire.” Liked change. Enjoyed many hours with him and Phyllis. Miss those days. Good memories. His family will miss him and the closeness they shared.
John, thank you for always being so welcoming and caring. You always asked how my family was, knew all their names and never failed to ask if Jim came with me or not. You will be greatly missed. Rest now with Jesus and know you left an amazing legacy.
Going to miss our card nites. Friday nites never will be the same. John loved to win. We are going to miss him so much. Karl and frannie.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We will never forget him. He was such a shining example of a devoted Christian. John, you will be missed, but we have that blessed hope that we will all be together again!
I didn’t know Mr. Norbeck but I know his lovely daughter, Allison. Now that I’ve read about her Dad, it is no surprise to me that she is as caring and devoted to people as she is. Thank you, Jesus, for taking him Home to be with you. He will be missed here until we all get to Heaven … what a day of rejoicing that will be!
John was such a good caring christian man who went above and beyond for anyone who needed help. I often got to see him while he visited with my folks and His friendship with Dad went back many years. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Our families have been close for many years. John has always been so accepting and kindhearted, especially so with the passing of my mom last year and my dad going through cancer surgeries. He was always calling and checking up on his ‘riding buddy’s (my dad). He truly left his mark on many lives and will be greatly missed.
What a caring and irreplaceable friend to my family. I’m sure he’s talking to Jesus right now…with a toothpick in his mouth! I sure appreciated him always calling and checking on Cal. His thoughtfulness meant so much to all of us. Thanks John for being such a blessing!
The lopsided grin, the toothpick, going out for breakfast, pie and coffee at Nanny’s, the motorcycle rides, sunny days and three generations on the boat—just some of the memories that I carry with me always.
I have several great memories with John.
He will be missed.
My dad was a character! He was always teasing. He was very giving and kind and was a very good friend to many. He could strike up and carry a conversation with anyone. He liked talking on the phone more than any man I know because he was checking up on friends and family when he was on the phone. He didn’t want a funeral or memorial with everyone talking him up cuz that’s the kind of guy he was. Sure, he had his flaws but he made up for them over the years with his kindness and generosity. I’m going to miss him so much! Whose gonna be the butt of our joking now at family gatherings? Lol Don’t worry, you probably still will be! They sure won’t be the same without you dad and neither will I! Love you always! Al