Jeffrey Norris, 66, of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1960, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the son of Arnold Norris and Barbara (Burns) Burman. Jeff grew up in Kenosha and, after graduating from high school, continued his education at trade school.
Jeff began his career as a tool and die caster at LeBlanc. Over the years, he also worked for Case and eventually Chrysler, where he remained until his retirement in 2022.
On February 14, 1987, Jeff married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Shierk. Together, they built a life centered around their family and raised two children. Family was always Jeff’s greatest priority. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished every opportunity to spend time with children and grandchildren.
Jeff found joy in the simple moments of family life. He taught his children and grandchildren how to swim and encouraged them not to be afraid of the water. He loved playing basketball with them in the backyard, gathering everyone around the table for a home-cooked meal, and simply being together.
Jeff had a natural talent for building and creating. He could look at a photograph and, without instructions, turn an idea into something real. Among his many projects, he built a playhouse in the basement for his children, built and remodeled the garage for his boat, remodeled the basement for extra living space, and created many pool accessories.
A true lover of the water, Jeff was an avid swimmer and remained remarkably strong in the pool well into his later years. He could still swim the butterfly stroke in his late 50s and into his 60s. Whether swimming, waterskiing, or spending time at Lake Jordan, he was happiest when he was near the water.
Jeff also enjoyed listening to classic rock, golfing, traveling, and seeing different parts of the world. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan and rarely missed a game. Above all, Jeff had a zest for life. He embraced new experiences, loved making memories, and never took for granted the time he had with the people he loved.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his children, Adam (Megan) Norris and Elizabeth “Liz” (Brett) Baker; his grandchildren, Colton, Ashlyn, and Louis; his mother, Barbara Burman; stepmother, Kathy Norris; and his siblings, Linda (Dan) TenCate, Michael (Karla) Norris, Bobby Ploetz and Dominique Piche, Megan (Pete) Zingelman, Janel O’Mara, and Holly Miller and Marc Sweeney. Jeff is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Norris; stepfather, Robert Ploetz; sister, Wendy Tripoli; and Mother-in-law, Lori Kozlowski.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in loving memory of Jeff may be made to the Kenosha YMCA, 7101 53rd St #100, Kenosha, WI 53144. https://kenoshaymca.networkforgood.com/projects/35320-kenosha-ymca-for-a-better-us
A visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Proko Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 2:00p.m. at the funeral home.