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Streator Times Press
Robert L. Norris 1942-2007
2007-05-15
OTTAWA -- Robert L. "Bob" Norris, 65, of Ottawa died Sunday, May 13, at Community Hospital of Ottawa after a short illness.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ottawa with the Rev. Phillip Halfacre officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Ottawa Funeral Home in Ottawa with prayers at 5 p.m.
Bob was born May 6, 1942, in Streator, to Robert G. and Elizabeth (Petro) Norris.
He was raised in Streator and worked with his father in the family photo business, Norris Photo Service, until he discovered the world of music. It was then that he formed his first band "Bobby Lee and the Techniques" in Streator. The band performed at the family Youth Center "Norris Hall" in Streator. Following this band, he became a member of several other bands playing the area which included "Angelo's Angels," "Kronic Flux," and most well-known in the Chicago and Ottawa areas as "Freedom."
Upon returning to the Ottawa area, Bob had a desire to own and operate his own music business. After working several years and teaching for Santucci Music Center, he purchased the old Block and Kohl building in downtown Ottawa and opened "Little City Music and Electronics" in 1976 and continued running the business for about 20 years.
He ended his working career in sales with the last being Silver Leaf Resort in Norway. At this time he went back to his family roots of photography when he began taking nature type pictures of the local area. He loved going to the Starved Rock area to capture his photos. This was definitely his true passion.
He married Judy (Marco) at St. Patrick's Church in Ottawa on April 20, 1968. On July 31, 1969, their daughter, Renee Lynne, was born.
Bob is survived by his wife, Judy of Ottawa; daughter, Renee (Craig) Creamean; granddaughter, Abbey Nicole of Lockport; and two sisters, Sandra (Terry) McGuire of Beloit, Wis., and Kay (Phillip) Emm of Streator; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Pallbearers will be Jeff and Ed Marco, Mark McGuire, Mike Stohr, Steve Burris, Mike Denny and Chris Hammer.
Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Church.
Obituary written by family members.
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Sharon Kear (Hostetler)
It is hard to think about Bob Norris without thinking about his parents and Norris Hall. I was never sure what possessed them to do what they did, but I am sure that many of us spent some happy hours at Norris Hall. It was such a great place to hang out, and it seemed like everybody was there. I am glad Bob went through his teen years with us. If he hadn't I don't know that his parents would have been so generous.Sallie Alderman (Maag)
I remember Bob with a fond memory. His father spent some time in thought before allowing the hall to be opened as a teen center. I remember Jack Kraske did a lot of the art work on the walls. Now I am not positive about the following but I think it was the Art Class/Club that a approached the Norris' about donating the space, and of course Bob was part of the Class/Club.