Howard N. Race

Howard “Norm” Norman Race, 82, of Athelstane, WI, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at St. Vincent’s Hospital. 

Norm was born on March 15, 1939, in Marinette, WI to Howard and Esther (Gove) Race. He was a graduate of Marinette High School. On January 30, 1961, he married the love of his life, the former Barbara Gulliver. They shared sixty happy years together. 

Norm served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer/Aviation Electrician-USS Enterprise. After his retirement from the military, he worked at Waupaca Foundry, Marinette, WI, and was also the owner of the Little Brown Jug in Athelstane, WI and Goldfever Prospecting, Chicken, AK. 

Norm spent much of his navy career serving and traveling around the world, he ended his service based in Key West, FL. His love of his family and the beautiful state of Wisconsin called him back home. Once home, he enjoyed his families cabin up north and pursued his hobbies of hunting, fishing, and gardening. 

Not one for early retirement, he decided socializing with his friends sounded like fun, so he purchased The Little Brown Jug in Athelstane. He not only served drinks, but jokes, laughter and advice. A man that unconditionally supported and loved his family, he chose to help his oldest son in his gold mining and tour business in Chicken, AK. He and his wife Barb became camp hosts and acquired new love for life as the gold “fever” bug caught ahold of them both. 

He was a humble and understated man; however, he held a special charisma and charm that made him unforgettable. Once you met him, you never forgot him, and he was your friend for life. A man loved by all, etched into our memories, captured in our hearts, and never forgotten. 

Norm is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons: Dean (Marie) Race and Richard (partner James Keller) Race; son-in-law: Paul Peterson; eight grandchildren: Christopher (Tanya) Race, Matthew (Stephanie) Peterson, Kendra Race, Cody Race, Patrick Peterson, Brittney Race, Jack Krull and Dakota Race and nine great-grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. 

Norm was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Deanna; sister and brother-in-law: Gladys (Tom) Johnson and infant sister. 

Per Norm’s wishes no services were held. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com Lyndahl Funeral Home of Green Bay is assisting the family. 

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff on the 4th and 7th floors of St. Vincent Hospital, especially nurse Taylor and nurse Halley for all their care and compassion that they gave to Norm.