William Carl Norris was born June 9, 1963, to Al and Peggy Norris in Lincoln, Nebraska. He attended elementary and middle school in Fargo, North Dakota and high school in Sioux City, Iowa and Walker, Minnesota. He did a lot of trapping, fishing, and hunting as a teen and had many fond memories of the trips he got to do with his dad (his favorite hunting trip was the one where they let the big one get away).
William attended North Dakota State University studying accounting, but worked primarily with technology and computers as he enjoyed that more. He was an avid gamer. William was a lifetime member of SASS, the Single Action Shooting Society, where his cowboy action shooting name was Riptide. He looked mighty handsome in a hat and duster. William married Rowdena in Fargo September 20, 1997. He enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors. His passion was camping with his bride, both in tents and the “Little Guy,” and some of his favorite spots were Lake Allen Henry in Texas and Prairie Dog State Park in Kansas. One of his favorite memories was being within inches of a mountain goat while hiking in Glacier National Park.
William had a sure confidence and faith in God. When he knew his brain tumors would cut his life short, he lived every day to its full capacity and most days would say, “my life is great” and even “this is the best part of my life.” He died too young on September 23, 2023, in Hutchinson, Kansas at age 60, leaving behind his beloved wife, Rowdena; his siblings, Larry, Ruth, Donna, and Beverly; Rowdena’s siblings, Rob, Ben, Brian, Roellen, and Brad; several nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, and many faithful friends, including his wonderful church family. Towards the end of his life, two of his favorite phrases were “it makes me laugh” (which he did a lot) and “Go with God”. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him!
Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastors Luke Helmuth and Chris Flynn officiating. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Click here to view Bill's Celebration of Life service
Memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.