Norbert Wolter

Norbert F. Wolter

September 5, 1946 - September 29, 2025

Norb Wolter, 79, was born in Chicago, Illinois to Ferdinand and Elisabeth (Wendland) Wolter. He grew up in Chicago, Oak Park, and Antioch. His early years living on the north side led to a lifelong love of the Chicago Cubs.

Norb graduated from Antioch High School. He went on to become a proud Illinois Alumni and lifelong Illini fan; after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in education. He also earned his master's degree and an advanced certificate from UIUC as well.

Norb met his beloved wife, Judy (Barnes) Wolter, while working at the Central Baptist Children's Home in Lake Villa, Illinois and went on to marry her on December 21, 1968. After living briefly in Park Forest, Illinois, Norb and Judy moved to Johnsburg where they raised their three children and enjoyed retirement together. They also loved spending time at their second home in Door County.

Norb was the epitome of a servant leader throughout his career in education. He taught at Thornton Township High School and moved on to be an administrator for McHenry Community High School District 156 for 27 years. He continued to devote time and energy to education through McHenry County Retired Teachers Association and spent time in Springfield, Illinois each year in an advocacy role.

Norb was a true outdoor enthusiast. He loved gardening and telling stories around a campfire. He was an avid birder, fisherman, and fowl hunter and he was passionate about his golf game. He was a member of two golf leagues for many years and enjoyed the camaraderie and a little healthy competition on the golf course. Norb loved to read and started a book club with Judy that continues on today after 20 years. He also devoted time to Mt. Hope Methodist Church in a variety of roles over the last 49 years.

Norb loved nothing more than to share his favorite pastimes, places, and things with his friends, his family, and most of all, his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Elisabeth (Wendland) Wolter, his brother, John Wolter, and his brother-in-law, Donald Torgersen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; daughter Becky (Jeff) Winternheimer and their children, Olivia and Ethan; daughter Rachel (Todd) Keesey and their children, Maya, Emma and Jackson; and son Joel (Tina) Wolter and their children, Reed and Wren; sister Ursula Torgerson; brother and sister-in-law Ferdi and Shirley Wolter; and sister-in-law Blanche Wolter. His presence in their lives will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the scholarship fund for McHenry County Retired Teachers Association, please mail donations to MCRTA, P.O. Box 1776, Crystal Lake, IL 60039 and indicate scholarship fund in the memo line or to FISH of McHenry County Food Pantry, please mail donations to FISH of McHenry, PO Box 282, McHenry, IL 60051.

There will be a Memorial Visitation held Friday, October 10, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Dr. McHenry IL. For more information, please contact the Funeral Home, 815-385-0063.