Norbert P. Brouchoud, age 82, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life while surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.
Norb was born on December 2, 1941 in Manitowoc to the late Archie and Norma (Ouradnik) Brouchoud. After graduating from Lincoln High School with the class of 1959, he furthered his education by going to school for drafting. Norb had worked most of his career at Imperial Eastman until his retirement in 2004. To best understand who Norb was as a person is described in the following letter written to him by his son, Mike:
Dad:
This morning, we stood by you side while you took your last breath on this earth. Not only did your body leave, but a piece of me which will never come back left also. As a little boy, you were my hero, the man I looked up to. You could do no wrong and were the person who was strong, smart and witty. Although you were a very physically strong man, you were a very gentle and caring person. These feelings carried with me my entire life.
I honestly do not remember you ever raising your voice in anger, and you always thought of others first. One of the most common things that I have heard over the years was “your dad is such a kind man”.
You were also a great father. You always made sure that I was taken care of. You would drop everything and run to my aid if I ever needed my dad. We had very special times together of which most do not experience with their parents. I vividly remember you taking me on a cross-country trip to San Diego in your 1968 Corvette. It was just the 2 of us and we talked and laughed the entire trip. I was pulled out of school in first grade for this and remember it well. You made sure that I saw all the things that would be of interest to a 6yr old boy, such as seeing a gunfight at the OK Corral in Arizona. You always included me in everything, some of which may have been typically “just for the grown-up guys”. This included rally drives for the Corvette Club you belonged to, going to weightlifting / body building competitions and similar. You always put me first and I respect you for that.
Many know you as a guy who was into weightlifting / body building and Corvettes. I know that you were far more than this. You were a caring man who put family first and always thought of others before yourself. In hindsight, I wish that you would have done more for yourself as you deserved this.
In the past few years, you suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and I watched my hero deteriorate slowly. Even when there were bad days, you always had a kind heart and a quick wit. You could be very funny! It was sad to see you slip away like this, but we all made the best of it. Many visits were spent playing Candyland or Uno with your 5yr old great granddaughter! This meant something to her that I am sure she will always remember. I will always remember our walks at the assisted living facility you had to go to. We may have talked about the same things on repeat due to your condition, but we smiled, laughed and had a nice time. It wasn’t about what we did, it was about the time spent together.
I know that you are in a better place, however the selfish part of me wants you back here. Please send my love to my mom, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and others who have departed us. I know that you have been welcomed with open arms.
Your only child and son,
Mike
Survivors include Norb’s son, Michael (Terri) Brouchoud, Maribel; three grandchildren, Matthew Wilson, Brillion; Adam (Brittany) Brouchoud, Maribel; and Danaille Brouchoud, Green Bay; five great grandchildren, Nolan and Eden Wilson, Lilian, Hailey, and Landyn Brouchoud; two sisters, Marilyn (Victor) Ponce and Darlene Kerber, all of Manitowoc; also other relatives and friends. Norb was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Norma Brouchoud; soulmate of over 60 years, Sara Jane Brouchoud; brother, Larry Brouchoud; and two sisters, Beverly Cole and Diane Ponce.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Streets, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Doug LeCaptain with entombment and committal services to be held at Knollwood Mausoleum Chapel at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024. Following the Mass of Christian Burial, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Norb’s name.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Frontida Assisted Living in Manitowoc, especially Tina, Nikota, Autumn, and Neena for all of the care and friendship they provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
