Joe E. Norris Sr., 81, of Savanna, Illinois, and a longtime resident of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away on September 8, 2026, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

Joe was born on May 30, 1945, in San Francisco, California, to James and Helen (Greek) Norris. He was raised in DeKalb and graduated from DeKalb High School in 1963.

In 1970, Joe married Margaret (Singer) Norris, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

Throughout his working years, Joe was employed by Wurlitzer, Anaconda Wire and Alloyd. He retired in 1993 and devoted his time to managing his farmland.

Joe was an avid fisherman, hunter, and woodworker. He was a longtime member and officer of the DeKalb County Anglers and especially enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing and hunting on his property during his retirement years.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Norris, and his infant children, Jerome and Sherry.

He is survived by his wife Margaret; his sons, Joe Jr. (Danielle) Norris of Rochelle, Illinois, and Tim (Jessica) Norris of Mahomet, Illinois; his grandchildren, Matt, Rebecca (both of Rochelle, Illinois), Staff Sgt. Josh Norris, (of Honolulu, Hawaii) and Tyler and Carter Norris (both of Mahomet, Illinois); his brothers, Jim (Fran) Norris of St. Augustine, Florida, and John (Marlene) Norris of DeKalb, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:30am-11:30am at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:30am at the funeral home. Burial will be handled privately at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. Cremation rites and arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.