Escanaba, MI
Richard Allen Norby, 78, of Escanaba, MI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at D.J. Jacobetti Michigan Veterans Home in Marquette, MI, 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 2:00 until 4:00 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will conclude visitation at 4:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to an organization close to your heart in honor of Richard.
Debbie Osier - Escanaba , Mi
Oh Faye, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and love are with you.
Lisa M Menard - Escanaba, MI
Faye, Matthew, Raymond,
We are so sorry for your loss. Richard (Nubbs) was a great man, wonderful friend. I enjoyed working with him & also being a friend outside of work. We will miss him terribly. He could make you laugh even on your darkest days. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Mike King - Escanaba, Mi
Raymond & Family
Sorry to here of the loss of your Dad. Tell your Mom and give her a hug.
Our deepest condolences
Mike King and Ann S.
Kathy Hansen - Escanaba, Mi
Faye…..I’m so sorry for you loss. You and Dickie really shared so much love and had a really wonderful life together.
Take comfort in all your wonderful memories.
Kathy Gagne - Bark River, Mi
Faye, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending love and big hugs.
Carissa Miller - Ferndale, MI
Faye,
My sincere condolences on Dick’s passing. May warm and cherished memories of your lives together bring peace and comfort. You and your family will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Eric D. Pakarinen - Austin, TX
Aunt Faye, Ray and Matt,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Dick. He was a great father and an even better person. My fondest memory of Uncle Dick was when he drove my sister Kristine and I around on his new motorcycle when we were quite small maybe 8 or 7 years old. He picked us up at Grandma and Grandpa Gafner’s and gave us each a tour of Escanaba on the back of his new bike. What fun! I am sure y’all will miss him dearly. But he and Auntie Faye raised great kids and that is what counts in life. Again our condolences. Eric Mary Kevin and Kari Pakarinen
Duke King - Escanaba, MI
Raymond and family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.
Thoughts are with you guys.
Steve Gauthier - Gladstone , Mi
Faye, so sorry to hear about Dicks passing. We shared a lot of great times together at work and outside. Great sense of humor and quick witted. Always remember the smile on his face. He will be missed.
Rebecca LaCrosse - Fond du Lac, WI
Faye, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My sincerest condolences to you, his family and all who loved him.
Praying for peace and understanding now and for the future.
Love,
Becky
(Ed Blau’s daughter)
Sabrina Herman - Escanaba, MI
Prayers for you and your family Uncle Donnie. I am so sorry for your loss. I love you!! Sending Hugs, Prayers, and Love.
Anna Monson - CRYSTAL FALLS, MI
So sorry about the passing of uncle dicky. We are here for you if you need anything