Celebration of Life: Norm Jerome

Obituary

Norman DeVerne Jerome, 88, passed away on December 9, 2025. He was born in Sparta, WI on November 10, 1937, to Samuel & Olene (Ellefson) Jerome. He was a proud graduate of La Crosse Central High School, class of 1955. He attended college at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated in 1959 and then earned a graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962. Norman then spent over 40 years working for the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

While Norman was working at the SSA office in Kankakee (IL) in 1961, he met his wife Joanne. They were married two years later on October 12, 1963 and were blessed with five children. In addition to spending time with his family, he was a very faithful man who had his well-worn Bible on hand for his daily scripture studies. Norman was an avid reader and especially liked books about American history. Norman’s love of history merged with his love of travel as many weekend day trips and longer road trips with his family involved historical sites as well as national parks. He was a keen photographer and always had a camera available for taking pictures of his favorite subjects, his wife and children as well as documenting the family’s adventures. Norman also had a strong love for music and always had a high-quality sound system to listen to his eclectic record collection. 

Most importantly, Norman will be remembered as a loyal and dedicated husband and father. He made time with family a priority through family dinners, reminiscing over family photos and home movies, watching favorite classic movies and attending his children’s numerous musical performances and sporting events. He also served his community through his church and as a board member for Riverfront (Aptiv). 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Frederick. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joanne (Carley), his children Laura, Linda, Jason (Cindy), Jonathan (Dani), and Jenee; his grandchildren Brandon Beilke (Kaytlyn), Ciana Kroner (Karl), Teagan Horihan, Adaline Jerome, and Esmae Jerome and his great-grandchildren Russell, Addisyn & William Kroner and Edynn, Karrick & Kreighton Beilke. 

The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring medical team at Emplify by Gundersen, especially Dr. Mary Bassing. 

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