Norbert J. Wronkowski, age 87, of Manitowoc, passed away Saturday morning, November 29, 2025, at St. Mary’s Nursing Home, Manitowoc.
Norb was born February 11, 1938, in Chicago, IL, son of the late Jon and Anna (Majewski) Wronkowski. Upon moving to Manitowoc as a teenager, he met and quickly fell in love with “the girl next door,” Eileen M. (Weier) Wronkowski. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1963. He and Eileen were united in marriage on September 3, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Manitowoc. They were married for 63½ years. During Norb’s work career, he worked at several places including Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, Kelvinator, Capitol/Mikadow/Strand Theaters, Manitowoc Engineering, Manitowoc Tool & Machining, Harbor Cities Grinding, Braun Building Center, St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, and Holy Family Memorial Hospital, all of Manitowoc.
Norb will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to keep himself busy, whether it was wearing his Santa suit to spread the magic and spirit of Christmas to the children of the community, playing with his little dog (Wasabi), or simply “putzing” in his basement workshop. He was a man of faith, very active in his church, gave freely of his time and talents, and was always willing to help anyone in need. In his early years, he was deeply involved in his children’s school lives, serving in leadership roles on the PTA and Athletic Association, and even coaching girls’ basketball. His love for sports extended beyond his family. He was a proud member of the St. Mary’s Hilltoppers dartball team and, for more than four decades, his voice became a familiar sound at local sporting events. Norb announced games for the annual St. Mary’s/Cabrini Girls Basketball Tournament and for men’s and women’s basketball at Silver Lake College. His dedication to lakeshore athletics earned him an award from the Lakeshore All-Sports Hall of Fame.
Norb loved to golf. He played his final round with his “Friday Golf Bunch” just over a month ago. His short game was nothing short of impeccable. Over the years, he achieved the rare feat of recording FOUR hole-in-ones, a testament to his skill and love for the game. Above all, Norb was a devoted family man. He cherished his wife and family, setting an example of integrity, hard work, and love that will continue to inspire family and all those who knew him.
Survivors include three children: Debby (Robert Owens) Wronkowski, of Two Rivers; Steven (Marilyn) Wronkowski, of Manitowoc; Angela (Jason) Pribyl, of Manitowoc; five grandchildren: Jacquelyn (Nicholas) Willman, of Omro; David (Molly) Wronkowski, of Milwaukee; Samuel, Grace, and James Pribyl, of Manitowoc; two great grandchildren: Ava and Reggie Willman; two sisters-in-law: Nancy Weier and Charlotte Wronkowski; and one sister-in-law/special friend: Judy Fierst; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Norb was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; his infant daughter (Noreen, at childbirth); his parents; his in-laws, Clem and Florence Weier; two brothers, Dennis and Eugene Wronkowski; one sister, Eve Wronkowski; three brothers-in-law: Ken Weier, Ron Weier, and Tom Fierst; and one sister-in-law, Theresa Wronkowski.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, December 5, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall (1114 S. 21st Street), Manitowoc, with Rev. Nicholas Stellpfug with celebrate the Mass of Christian burial. Committal services and military funeral honors will be held at church immediately following the funeral service. Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc is assisting the Wronkowski family with funeral arrangements.
The family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Salmon, Dr. Palines, and the nursing staff at Aurora, Two Rivers, as well as the staff and nurses at St. Mary’s Nursing Home. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.
