Richard (Dick) Orville Norum, 86 of Grantsburg, WI passed away on May1, 2023 after a long and admirable fight with cancer. He was surrounded by family in his last days.
Dick was born to Helen and Al Norum on August 14, 1936. They lived in Minneapolis for a couple of years and then went on the road as a family while his dad Al sold car wax around the country. At his young age, he was being introduced to the life of a travelling salesman. They eventually moved out to the west side of the city where he married twice after high school and provided for 6 children.
Dick started working at the young age of 13 by caddying and doing lawn and garden work in the community. He discovered his profession on a walk down an alley in Long Lake, MN. He told the story as, “He could turn right to work for his uncle in the plumbing profession or turn left to learn about engine rebuilding on cars. This was of course one of many pivotal moments that he told stories about. (He turned left) He learned this trade well and ran his own engine rebuilding business on Lake street in Minneapolis. Eventually, he found himself in sales and selling parts and equipment to business owners just like himself. He worked travelling and selling and supporting the people in his field until his retirement. He passed this knowledge on to his son Jon in the last few years of his life.
Dick was a storyteller. He loved to recall events about people he met and life experiences. The stories never seemed to end. He lived a full life out on the road that landed him an abundance of content. Most of all, he would tell stories of his family. He was a true family man and would do just about anything to help any one out of a jam. He was a loyal brother, husband, and father.
Dick is survived by his wife Karen Norum, brother Raymond Norum and wife Bonnie, daughters Kimberly Cruz, (children Somer Pena and Edgar Cruz) Candia Garcia, (children Nicholas Cortez Heather and Rick Moody) Cherie Villarreal and husband Johnny and sons Ricky Norum and wife Shannon (children Brandi and Hailey Norum), Derrick Norum, and Jon
Norum.
