Norbert B. Madej

After many years of slowly watching my father’s body become more fragile and his mind fall deeper into the shadows—my watch has now ended.

It was difficult to watch. It was heartbreaking. And anyone who has experienced/witnessed the transition of life into this stage and helped with the passage into the next journey (not death, as it is your soul that will always continue—on a new path now, but always there) it tears you completely apart. My heart will ache, my tears will fall, my watch has ended.

Born to Walter and Lillian (Palczynski) Madej. Youngest brother to: Harry, Raymond, Theresa, Walter. Father to Daniel, Kathleen and Cynthia (Wagner). Grandfather to Emily Wagner. Uncle to many.

Proudly served in the United States Navy (1958–1961). Honorably discharged.

His love of God and love of the Chicago Cubs were passed down to his daughter, Kathy. And thank you Cubs, for winning the World Series while he was alive (2016).

His love of reading and writing. So many books to read in a lifetime. Never wanting to leave Chicago—his Sweet Home Chicago.

His love of a gentle breeze on a sunny day—some of the simple things in life. He was a simple man with few needs.

He was my dad. Forever you will remain in my heart, for that is where I keep my most precious things.

A visitation for Norbert will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, located at 6000 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646. A Final Viewing and Chapel prayers will occur Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM, 6000 North Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646. Funeral mass will occur Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Saint John Brebeuf Parish, 8305 N Harlem Ave, Niles, IL 60714. An Interment at St Adalbert Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, Niles, IL.