Norbert Kearns

Norbert “Norby/Norb” Allen Kearns, 87, of Hager City, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Hammond Health Services, Hammond WI, where he has resided for over a year. He was born on October 17, 1938, in Plum City (Exile) to Ed and Rose (Black) Kearns. Norb was raised on a farm near Exile with his 10 siblings. He attended St. John’s Catholic School through 8th grade then attended Plum City High School. During that time, he worked for many area farmers helping with chores. Norb joined the National Guard/Army where he received an honorable discharge due to a diving accident which caused a loss of his hearing.

Norb met the love of his life, Caroline Dahling at the Bay City dance hall and they were married on September 6, 1958. For over 40 years he worked at Red Wing Shoe Company as a cutter, Cutting Supervisor, and later Leather Quality Specialist. Norb’s passion was hunting, fishing, and trapping. He enjoyed volunteering for the Conservation Club near Barnes WI, as well as going to their lake home in the same area. He loved to travel for work and later for pleasure. He also enjoyed working with diamond willow wood creating beautiful works of art. After retirement Norb and Caroline wintered in Mission TX for over 10 years where he joined a carving group. He was blessed with a natural talent to carve wildlife, relief carvings, and many other great pieces.

Norb is survived by siblings, Carol (Dennis) Haglund, Judy (Chuck) Guetschow and Bill Kearns; Sisters-in-law; Arlette Kearns, Darlene Kearns, Peg Kearns; Brothers-in-law; Ronnie Gauvin, Bruce Cavanaugh; three children, Tim Kearns, Gary (Liza) Kearns and Rita (Jim) Brigham; five grandchildren, Chris Rother, Jessica (Kyle) Warner, Kyle (Michelle) Kearns, Megan (Ryan) Hanson and Jenny (Charley) Paulzine; eight great grandchildren, Lily and Emma Rother, Jay, Kylie and Isaac Kearns, Lacey and Avery Hanson and Lliam Howard along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Caroline on May 21, 2025; his parents Ed and Rose (Black) Kearns; infant son, David Kearns; siblings, Kathleen (Don) Von Bargen, Karleen Gauvin, JulieAnn Cavanaugh, Leon, Lyle, Lloyd, and Marvin (Joan) Kearns and daughter-in-law, Nanette Kearns.

A private burial this Spring will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Red Wing. Arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing.