MINOOKA, Ill. — Mr. Edward “Cookie” Norton, 75, died peacefully Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at his home with his family by his side following a courageous battle with a lingering illness.
Funeral services for Mr. Norton will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 16, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home chapel, 1201 West U.S. 6, at Deerpath Dr., Morris, to St. Mary Catholic Church, Minooka, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Following the funeral Mass, the family would like to continue their journey privately for interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Minooka, where full military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the funeral home.
Mr. Norton was born in Rockdale, Ill., on June 30, 1935, to Lou and Constance (Berkowitz) Norton. He attended school in Rockdale and Minooka, Ill. Cookie served his country in the Marines from 1954 to1957 at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
A restaurant owner most of his life, Cookie has co-owned Cookie’s Restaurant in Minooka, alongside his wife, Lois, for the past 29 years. He ran his business the way he lived his life, with an unwavering devotion to his family and friends. His generosity was one of his finest qualities and the key to his success.
Cookie was far more than a skillful businessman. He was an avid sports fan, especially baseball, and most especially a fan of the New York Yankees. He had many interesting and colorful conversations over the bar at the restaurant defending his “Bronx Bombers” to White Sox, Cubs, and Cardinal’s fans.
Cookie made a lasting impression on all who were privileged to know him. He had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone, whether he or she was a regular customer or a first-timer. He was a loving, charming, and dedicated man who had a unique way of turning the worst moments into bearable ones. His sense of humor and quick wit were unlike anyone else’s. Cookie adored his family more than anything, even a World Series championship for the Yankees.
Cookie Norton was the cherished husband of 55 years to Lois (Jennings). He was the devoted father of Kathleen (Nick) Hammen of Morris, Angela (Keith) Robinson of Minooka, Susan (Jeff) Stenzel of Seneca, Edward (Laura Elenwood) Norton of Minooka, Peggy (Mike) Smania of Minooka, and Laura Paramo of Minooka. He was blessed to have 16 grandchildren: Jim Hammen (Jan Brown), Crissie (Jeff) Farrar, Carrie Gierich, Pat (Kristine) Robinson, Rachael Gomez, Kyle (Julia) Stenzel, Kim Stenzel, Eddie Norton, Danny Norton, Dawn (Josh) Bristle, Michael Smania, Missy Paramo, Nikky Paramo, Maddy Paramo, Sergio Paramo, and Bailey Paramo.
He was further blessed with 16 great-grandchildren: Seamus Hammen; Mary Kate, Fiona, and Ronan Sjostrom; Carlie and Caylie Farrar; Colton and Jaylyn Martin; Colten Welch; Jorge, Nikko and Joey Mirelez; Antonio Gomez; and Rylee, Taylor, and Piper Stenzel. Cookie also leaves his sister, Helene Nelson of Brighton, Colo.; sister-in-law June Kisellus of Bradenton, Fla; brother-in-law Don (Juanita) Jennings of Morris; mother-in-law Dorothy Jennings (the late Art); and dear friend Stephen Seper of Joliet. Cookie will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Cookie was preceded in death by his parents, Louis (1956) and Constance Eva (1996), and his brothers, Jim (2006) and Lou (2008).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Howard Samples family (3-year-old Howard was recently diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma) at Standard Bank and Trust, c/o Kathy Lambrose, 1111 West U.S. 6, Morris, Ill., 60450; Joliet Easter Seals; or Joliet Area Community Hospice in his name.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of arrangements. For additional information, call the funeral home at (815) 942-5040 or log onto www.fredcdames.com.