Kenneth R. "Snorton Norton" Norton, 65, of Iron Belt, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, Feb. 26, 2009, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minn. He was born Nov. 9, 1943, in Waterford, Wis., son of the late Francis and Marie (Chriskie) Norton, attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Grade School there, and graduated from Waterford High School. He then served stateside in the U.S. Navy for a short time during the Vietnam Era and was honorably discharged due to illness. Ken was employed as an iron worker, a job that he loved, in Milwaukee for many years, retiring in 1986 and moving to Saxon, where he owned and operated the Bear Trap Inn for 8 years. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed ATV riding, and sitting around a campfire and telling stories. He was most proud of his medals and awards in archery over the years. Ken is now at peace, telling his stories, with his buddies that have gone before him. He married the former Melanie M. Baxter in June of 1969 in Racine. She preceded him in death on May 26, 2003. Surviving are a daughter, Laura (Tim) Bozikowski, Mound, Minn.; a son, Adam, Appleton; two grandchildren, Madison Bozikowski and Sadie Richards; his lifelong partner, Nanette Lawrence, Iron Belt; three brothers, Jerry, Waterford, Danny (Pat), Rancho Cordova, Calif., and Bob, Oak Creek; two sisters, Diane (Ken) Guenther, Black River Falls, and Carol Smith, Waterford; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. In accordance with Ken's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Michael Hayden officiating. A flag presentation ceremony will be accorded by members of the combined Hurley American Legion Post 58 and Iron County VFW Post 1580 Honor Guard. Luncheon will follow at the Iron Nugget in downtown Hurley. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. To view Ken's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.