Norm Reiser

MORTON – Norman J. “Norm” Reiser, 81, of Morton, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born on October 24, 1941, in Springfield, Ill. to Leonard and Mildred (Mavis) Reiser. Norm married Carol Kepner on August 24, 1963, in Springfield, Ill.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Reiser of Morton; two children, Craig (Laura) Reiser of Springfield, Ill. and Amy (Bryan) Willmore of Tremont; five grandchildren, Lauren (Zach) Rawles, Luke (Abby) Reiser, Will Reiser, Aliza Willmore and Dylan Willmore; two great grandchildren, Madeline Rawles and Anna Reiser and one sister, JoAnn Elder of Jacksonville, Ill.  

He was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Melissa Reiser and one brother, Ron Reiser.

Norm graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Illinois State University in 1963 and a master’s degree in administration from University of Illinois in 1970.

Norm was an educator and coach at Coal City, Chrisman and St. Joseph Ogden before coming to Morton High School, where he taught and coached varsity basketball from 1971 to 1995. Norm had an overall record at Morton of 434 – 195. He led Morton to their first regional title in 1974. Norm ended his career in Morton with 8 regional titles and 4 sectional runner-ups. Under Norm’s leadership, Morton High School had a Mid-Illini Conference record from the 1982-1983 season to 1994-1995 season of 120-32 with a total of 8 conference titles in 13 seasons. Norm also had 2 Pekin Holiday Tournament Championships.

He was elected into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame with his overall coaching record of 587-246. At the time of his retirement in 1995, Norm was 21^st on the all-time Illinois basketball victory list and he was ranked 16^th in Illinois basketball career winning percentage (71%).

Norm loved his family dearly and dedicated his life to his Carol, his kids, Craig and Amy, his beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Luke, Will, Aliza and Dylan, and his new great grandchildren, Madeline and Anna. He loved watching sports and going to Illinois football and basketball games. Norm and Carol enjoyed going to numerous NCAA Final Fours. In his later years, he enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their sports and favorite activities. Norm enjoyed antiquing and loved working in his yard. In his retirement, many fantastic winters were spent in Naples, Florida with Carol.

Norm was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Morton, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023, with Msgr. Gerald Ward officiating.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Further visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Friday, prior to Mass at the church. Burial will be in Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.

Memorials may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To view Norm’s video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.