Richard F. Norem, Sr. Obituary

Richard F. Norem, Sr.

Formerly of Joliet, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Regency House of Alexandria, Louisiana. Age 91 years.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son Richard “Rick” Frederick Norem, II and wife Merrilyn Bush Norem, two grandchildren Richard “Erick” Frederick Norem, III and wife Camille Faircloth Norem; and Gabriela Auxiliadora Romero.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife of 59 year, Sally Lou Jarvis Norem, his parents Oscar and Mable Vera Norem. His sister Mae Ruth Hodgdon and husband Robert S. Hodgdon. A nephew Bruce Hodgdon.

Richard Norem, Sr. was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, where he attended Joliet Township High School. After high school, Richard enrolled and received his bachelor's degree and master’s degree in music from Eastman Conservatory of Music in Rochester, New York. Richard proudly served in the United States Marine Corp and was a member of the “Presidents Own,” Marine Band. After Richard’s service to his country, he went on to become a Professor of French Horn at the LSU School of Music later serving as its Assistant Dean. Richard played Principal Horn and was the longest serving member of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra for 52 years. He also was a member of the LSU Timm Wood Wind Quartet, and the Norem LSU Brass Quartet which was named in honor of Richard. Richard enjoyed a lifetime of bringing music into people’s lives through his extensive musical career, teaching students, and his recordings.

Richard was also an avid enthusiast of the Rolls Royce Club for many years and enjoyed collecting model trains. Together with his wife Sally, they rode on many trains both in North America and abroad. While in Baton Rouge, Richard was a member of St. Luke Episcopal Church where he sang in the choir and a more recent member of St. James Episcopal Church in Alexandria. For many years, Richard’s voice could be heard as the announcer at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.

Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Monday, June 19th from 10:00 A.M. until graveside funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park I. For information please call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com