Norman L. "Norm" Stilson age 87, died on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at The Meadows of Fall River Assisted Living facility. He was born on October 19, 1938 in Otsego to Roy and Selma (Staveness) Stilson. Norm graduated from Rio High School in 1956. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was assigned to the USS Franklin D Roosevelt, a Midway-class aircraft carrier, primarily stationed in the Mediterranean. Norm was married to Gertrude "Gert" Seemann (whom he loved and cherished until the end) on July 3, 1960 at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Doylestown.  Together they raised two sons.

Most of Norm's career was in telecommunications. He was employed by S. J. Kapitan which was a Consulting and Engineering firm, then as a part-owner of Cable Layers Inc. He was involved in the startup of two local cable television companies covering Columbus and surrounding areas. He became the general manager of The Peoples Telephone Company, Randolph. Norm retired after many years in telecommunications with his final work endeavor being co-owner of Stil-Best Homes in Pardeeville and Beaver Dam.

Staying close to the Columbus community he assisted with the creation of the Country Green Condominium Association which borders the Columbus Country Club and is where the couple established their new home.

Many memories were created when they purchased a farm next to Gertrude's homestead which consisted of pasture, cropland and woods. Besides hunting this property, Springvale Vineyard was created providing grapes to local wineries and pick-your-own winemaking clubs.

Norm was an avid golfer, hunting enthusiast, league bowler (back in the day), Badger, Brewer and Packer fan. He served his community as a member of the Lions Club and Jaycees. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile and quick wit.

Survivors include his wife Gertrude of Columbus; two sons Mark (Kristine) Stilson and Kevin (Lynn) Stilson; three grandsons Gregory (Leslie) Stilson, Jacob (Lindsay) Stilson, Benjamin Stilson; two step grandsons Tony (Kate) Schiefelbein and Riley (Ann) Schiefelbein; ten great grandchildren Elizabeth, Jackson, Calvin, William, Lila, Ryan, Martin, Paul, Luke, Ella; brother Dennis (Susan) Stilson; brother-in-law Reinhold (Yvonne) Seemann; brother-in-law Loren Seemann; sister-in-law Carol Seemann; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marlene Pick and brother-in-law Jim Pick; brother-in-law Bruce Seemann; sister-in-law Sylvia Stadler; brother-in-law Clarence Stadler; niece Cindie Stadler; and nephew Gary Seemann.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M., on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Columbus. Rev. Ben Zuberbier will officiate. Interment will be in the Otsego Cemetery, Otsego. Full military honors will be conducted at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Generations of Giving https://generationshomeandhospice.com/donate/

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Norm's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com