Norman "Norm" Hodgson

Norman “Norm” L. Hodgson, age 73, of Gleason, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, while at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born on October 31, 1951, to the late Irwin “Irv” and Mary Jane (Hackbarth) Hodgson in Gleason, WI. Norm graduated from Merrill High School and continued his education at UW–Stevens Point, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Business Administration and Economics. He spent most of his professional life in insurance and financial planning, where he built lasting relationships and focused on helping clients find thoughtful, personalized solutions. He valued being accessible not just for his clients, but for his family and sought a balance that allowed him to be present for the things that mattered most. Norm married his soul mate, Mary (Jakubek) Porto, on October 4, 2008, at Our Savior’s Church in Gleason, WI. She survives.

A devoted father and grandfather, Norm never missed a game, a track meet, or a chance to show up for his family. He was steady and dependable, protective, generous with his time, and quietly proud of the lives his children and grandchildren were building.

Norm had a deep love for the outdoors. He was a lifelong hunter and a passionate fisherman. Whether spring and fall walleye fishing, Lake Michigan fishing, or ice fishing —he loved them all. He paid attention to the details, constantly honing his skills and adapting new techniques, whether that meant painting his own jigs or changing tactics on the water. He and his longtime fishing partner “Hoggie” competed in many walleye tournaments together and later expanded their dynamic duo to include Norm’s sons. But more than catching fish, Norm loved taking others fishing and enjoyed teaching, guiding, and spending the time with family and friends. He took pride in sharing the experience, and then later the catch, regularly hosting a fish fry bringing people together to enjoy a few old fashioneds, tell stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Norm also loved spending time in the woods. He was an Eagle Scout and had a remarkable sense of direction and could walk a stretch of land once and understand how it fit into the bigger picture, how it connected. He was an orienteer in the truest sense. Norm was a capable outdoorsman and spent time making firewood—a full process of felling, cutting, and splitting that reflected his deep connection to the woods. He continued his family’s maple syrup tradition, refining and improving the process with every season and he truly enjoyed sharing syrup with friends and family.

Norm loved baseball playing hardball in his youth, coaching county league team as a young adult, and playing slow-pitch well into adulthood. He followed the Brewers faithfully and usually had the game on the radio or TV whenever available to listen to Bob Uecker calling the game.

Later in life, Norm returned to his hometown and served for a time as Chairman of the Town of Russell. He was proud to be part of the Gleason community and remained deeply rooted in it. He was also a man of quiet faith and strong convictions. He believed in quality, doing what was right, and keeping his word.

Norm was not one to seek attention. He carried himself with quiet confidence, a dry wit, and an authentic humility. He did not need the spotlight but rather he just needed to be there, doing his part. He will be deeply missed, but he leaves behind a legacy rooted in presence, integrity, and love of family.

Norm is survived by his wife: Mary Hodgson of Gleason, daughter: Jessie (Todd) Schroeder of Fox Valley, WI, with their children: Kayla and Colton, sons: Jake (Sara) Hodgson of West Bend, WI, with their children: Cecelia and Lucille and Jon (Franny) Hodgson of Fox Valley, WI, with her son: Jameson, step-sons: Bryan (Michelle) Porto, with their children: Ben and Lillian and Kevin (Jina) Porto, with their children: Isaac and Ethan, step-daughter: Teresa (Tim) Hendrickson, brother: Ron (June) Hodgson of Gleason, nephews: Erik Hodgson, Ben “Beej” (Lori) Hodgson, Adam (Melanie) Hodgson and Cody Hodgson and niece: September (Matt) Murphy. He is further survived by his ex-wife and mother to his children: Sue Hodgson (Neubauer) and many good friends and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents and his faithful companion, his dog: Laycee.

The funeral service for Norm will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill, with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home at 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill. Burial will immediately follow the service and take place at the Luther Memorial Cemetery in Gleason.

The family wishes to thank the very special family members, friends and neighbors in Norm’s life, that were there to lend a hand or offer support in his time of need.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.