Norman J. Weitzel

EDGERTON - Norman J. Weitzel, business presence and hotelier in the Northern Illinois/ Southern Wisconsin region for 50 years, passed away on March 27, 2024, in his home on the Rock River in Edgerton, WI, sadly leaving just one month shy of his 93rd birthday.

Norm proudly served during the Korean War, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry (Wolfhound) Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He attained the rank of Staff Sgt., earning the Combat Infantry Badge as well as the Bronze Star for valor. After combat, Norm was honored to serve guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The GI Bill, in addition to working construction jobs, allowed him to enroll at Milton College and then at UW-Madison, where he graduated in 1956. He worked in the accounting department at GM-Janesville, but left to pursue an interest and passion for building spec homes in the Janesville area. His building projects grew to include apartments, hotels, restaurants, and partnerships in One Parker Place, and in Data Dimensions, of Janesville, WI.

Norm’s introduction to hotel development began in 1971 with the Ramada Inn in Janesville, WI, establishing a partnership with Hoffman House Restaurants that continues today. In 1975, the Rockford Ramada Inn (offering dining at The Hoffman House) was built, joining Henrici’s Clocktower Inn as the only other hotel in the immediate area. Holiday Inn replaced the Ramada franchise, and over the next 50 years, Norm added Holiday Inn Express (Loves Park and Beloit), The Staybridge Hotel (Rockford), and Baymont Hotel (Janesville and Rockford) to the area’s hospitality offerings.

Norm is survived by his loving partner, Judith Biba, with whom he shared a home on the Rock River. He is also survived by children David, Mark, Juli (John Jennings), Kirk (Monica), Daniel Weitzel, and Sarah Weitzel McClendon. He will be missed by 20 grandchildren, 5 grand-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Norm was a big presence in the lives of many; he will be greatly missed. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024 at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH, Janesville. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Schneider Funeral Home, Janesville WI. A second visitation before the church Mass will occur from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital may be made. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.