Colonel (Ret.) Norman E. Jarock, 81, of De Pere, WI, died peacefully Sept. 11, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born October 22, 1936 in Pulaski to the late Edward and Isabelle (Swiekatowski) Jaroch.
After graduating from Pulaski High School, Norm had a long and storied career at St. Norbert College, where he was co-captain and fullback for the SNC Green Knights during an undefeated season in 1957. He was Little All-American and the nation’s leader in rushing for that season which earned him an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and the honor of being the first student athlete at St. Norbert College to have his number retired.
He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 9th round in 1958, though he suffered a broken ankle in the team’s first major scrimmage, which ended his football career. Norm was also an accomplished track star whose long jump record stood for decades.
This unofficial King of Football met the love of his life, Clarice “Boots†Krawczyk, when she was the Queen of the Homecoming, and they were married at St. Bernard Parish in Green Bay on June 17, 1958. Their fairy-tale story was celebrated at their recent 60th anniversary, and was even included in a 2010 SNC Magazine feature about alumni soul mates.
Col. Jarock began his military career with ROTC at St. Norbert College, where he was Cadet Lt. Col., and was commissioned into the US Army in 1960. His 26 years in the Army began in El Paso, TX, in Air Defense Artillery, and continued around the world, taking him and his family to Okinawa, Korea, and Germany. He spent two tours of duty in Vietnam, and received the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star, among other awards. During his military career, Norm earned his Masters of Science degree in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which gave him the distinction of teaching Math and Calculus at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. Throughout his career, he was fortunate to meet many incredible friends. Following his retirement from the Army, Norm spent ten years with the Fort Howard Corporation as the Director of Quality Management. Throughout his life, Norman’s deep Catholic faith was the constant thread that never broke.
Norm is survived by his loving wife Boots, who is having her own battle with Alzheimer’s disease; and children Beth, Norfolk, VA; Norm Jr., Norfolk, VA; Marty (Steven Grimm), Seattle, WA; David, Green Bay; and Matthew (partner Liz Bradshaw) and grandchildren Ava and Max, Pittsburgh, PA. He is further survived by siblings Mary Lu Woodke, Gillett; Judy Larscheid, Pulaski; Len (Kathy) Jarock, Pulaski; Joanne Thorkelson, Fond du Lac; Dick (Joann) Jarock, Laney; Louis (Paula) Raska, Eagle River; Vicki Marotz, Green Bay; and many nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by mother and father-in-law Zeno and Isabelle (Samorske), Green Bay; and brothers-in-law Bob Woodke and Merle Larscheid.
The Jarock Family would like to thank all of the members of Angel’s Touch Assisted Living in De Pere, and Compassus Hospice for all of their wonderful care. Thanks for support from the St. Norbert College ROTC Color Guard as well as other members of the SNC community. Finally, thank you to members of the Krawczyk family who have assisted the Jarock’s in our time of need.
Family and friends may visit on Thursday, September 27 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, 305 N. Tenth St, De Pere. Visitation will continue on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe St, Green Bay with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Fr. Joseph Dorner officiating. A luncheon will be provided immediately after Mass in the Wycislo Center with burial to follow in Allouez Catholic Cemetery, where Full Military Funeral Rites will be accorded. |