Norbert William Svatos

Norbert William Svatos passed away August 30, 2024, at home in Mesquite, NV. Rita was at his side when he passed away while in hospice. Norbert was born July 1, 1941, in Milwaukee, WI to Norbert (Sr) and Helen Poker Svatos. He married Rita Kathryn Hanson on June 4, 1966, in Madison, WI.

Norbert was raised in Milwaukee as a child and then as in teenager in Oconomowoc, WI near the shores of Lake LaBelle. Norb received a  Bachelor of Science Degree from Whitewater College, now known as the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. Rita and Norb met at college and it was love at first sight! They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on June 4, 2024.

He worked in municipal administration in Milwaukee and then for many years for the City of Oshkosh, WI. 

While living in Oshkosh Norb was active in his church. He worked on the committee to start a Catholic Church west of HWY 41 which was successful, and it was called Good Samaritan Catholic Church. After considerable growth the church expanded and was then named St Raphael’s Catholic Church. He continued to be active with the church serving on the Personnel Committee and being a communion minister and enjoyed working on the Church Summer Picnic for years. 

He and Rita enjoyed travel especially Viking River cruises, scuba diving in the South Pacific and around the many islands in the Caribbean. They bought a condominium on the ocean in Bonaire and lived there part-time on the island for ten years. In 2015 they moved to Mesquite, NV to be closer to their daughter Michelle and son-in-law Erik who currently reside in California. 

 Norb was a vivacious reader, normally reading a book a week. After they moved to Mesquite he enjoyed working-out in the Sun City Recreation center, swimming and lifting weights until the last month of his life. His friends remember him as having a wonderful sense of humor, sharing jokes via the internet, being there to help when needed and someone they enjoyed spending time with. Norb loved buying funny Christmas gifts for his family and friends , who always found this endearing and mostly hilarious ! He loved to play tricks on his wife and family, always with a twinkle in his eye. 

 Norbert is survived by his wife Rita, living in Mesquite, NV, and his daughter Dr. Michelle Svatos and her husband Dr. Erik Chell, of Oakland, CA. 

 He is preceded in death by his son N. Michael Svatos, his parents Norbert and Helen Svatos, and his sister Carolyn Nichols.

 A celebration of Norbert’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. We invite family and friends to leave condolences or memories at www.starmortuary.com. Should you wish to leave a donation in his name please do so with the American Cancer Society.