Norbert L. Johnson
May 23, 1936 ~ November 28, 2020
Norbert L. Johnson, 84, longtime Mooresville educator, passed away November 28, 2020, at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin. Mr. Johnson was born May 23, 1936, in Vincennes, Indiana, to the late Christopher Merlin and Dortha (Peters) Johnson.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in Vincennes and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Indiana State University. The Johnson Family moved to Mooresville in 1962. He was a teacher and assistant principal at Mooresville High School and also coached football, basketball, and golf during his career. Mr. Johnson embraced education and served as student council sponsor, and helped organize the post prom and homecoming for many years. He used humor and games in the classroom which encouraged many students to excel. Always a believer in his students, he was a strong disciplinarian, but also an incredible encourager. He loved to see his students succeed and ultimately earn their diplomas – nothing made him more proud than to see a student graduate.
In addition to his successful education career, Mr. Johnson served on the Mooresville Park Board. He also enjoyed playing golf. Above all, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His memory will be forever cherished by his loving family, many friends, and former students.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wanda Haag.
Survivors include his wife, Susan (Reitmeyer) Johnson, to whom he was united in marriage September 2, 1956; children, Cindy (Gary) Chrzastowski, Mike S. (Anita) Johnson, Julie (Ken) Howe-Overwein, and Kristi (Jeff) Hauptstueck; brother, Harold (Mary Lou) Johnson; sister, Phyllis (Jim) Knauf; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild.
A Celebration of the Life of Norbert L. Johnson will be held at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, Saturday, May 8th from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mooresville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, c/o the Community Foundation of Morgan County, https://cfmconline.org/donors/funds/mooresville-high-school-alumni-scholarship-fund-1308/, 56 N. Main St., Martinsville, IN 46151. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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My heart and my prayers go out to Susan, and all of his family. At MHS we were blessed to have a great number of excellent, dedicated teachers, of which, Mr. Johnson was right up there at the top of the list. I pray his family is aware (as I know Susan was) of how many students of his over the years regarded Norbert so highly, so gratefully and so indebted to his approach to caring about the “total student”. I owe a lot to him as a teacher, as a coach, as a role model, and as a friend. He is much loved and will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. God rest his soul, and God bless his family with comfort in their time of loss. Warmly, Larry Gajderowicz; MHS 1967.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
All time favorite teacher and coach who always seemed to be enjoying watching us grow up. “Mister Johnson, you were the best.” Susan Hodges DeNuccio MHS class of 1967
So very sorry to read of Mr. Johnson’s passing. He was a wonderful man. I had him for Geometry my sophmore year of high school and considered him a friend and a man I had high respect for the rest of his life. I am sure the lord welcomed him home with open arms!
Mr. Johnson, your love and support were second to none. Your strictness was your affection, and often misunderstood, but eventually treasured when we came to realize just how much you cared. Whenever I returned to town, you always asked, with great interest, how I had been and what I had been doing. No one wanted more for me, out of life, than you did, and that’s what drove me forward. What I wouldn’t give, even now, just to hear your voice…. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for everything I knew and I’m fairly certain, for some things I didn’t know.
I knew Mr. Johnson as my coach at Mooresville HS. He always had a stick of gum for us on road trips. After high school he became a friend and was a great supporter of our music career. My last visits with him were con Marco Island. I was so proud to have him watch my teams. He spoke with them after we won a District Champion. I was very fortunate to have a mentor and friend like him.
Many high school memories We were on first name basis Spent many hours in the office with him He was a good man, and I thank him for the education I got from him…. RIP
Mr. Johnson will be someone I always remember for his encouragement and advice. Although he wasn’t my teacher, he was someone I talked to almost every day in high school. The world needs more educators like him. He was tough, caring and always there to listen. Sending prayers to his family.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family
So sorry to hear the bad news about Norb he was a great neighbor for 11 years. What a great family to live by we learned alot about what family means. God bless and prayers for the family
Dearest Johnson family, I’m so very sorry to hear the news of Mr.Johnson’s passing. I have no words to adequately express how much respect and love I have for him. Mr. Johnson, always felt like family to me. I know he felt the same way about his students because not very many teachers open their homes up to their students. A fond memory with Mr.Johnson was his Student Council Christmas parties at his home on Victor Dr. There are so many great memories at every turn of my HS career that included Mr. Johnson. Tim and I recently moved back home from West Point so that our boys could experience the great traditions that Mr. Johnson worked so hard to implement into the culture at MHS. His legacy will go on. Our love will go on. Please know we are praying for you all.
Mr. Johnson was one of my favorite teachers. I remember he would says, “Sharp pencil, sharp mind.” Bonnie Barnett Patterson
I met Mr. Johnson as he saw me tip-toeing on a freshly waxed hallway. I grew to know him and understand his love and dedication to MHS during the many years we worked together at the high school. I always felt privileged to know him and his family and certainly appreciate his good advice and help during the “golden age of education”. God Bless him and his family as they move through this difficult time. Norb created many fond memories for students and staff that we will cherish throughout our lives. He will be missed. Coach Whit
Johnson Family: Sending condolences to all. May your fond memories help you through this difficult time. Mike and Deb Cochran
Kristi and family, As a classmate of yours and graduate of Mooresville, I am saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. My only interactions with him that were even somewhat disciplinary was when I was sent to him for being late to typing class, and one other incredibly stupid thing I did. For the first thing, he said “Why are you here?” I explained (I was TERRIFIED), and he said “Well… I don’t recognize you, which is a good thing. Have Mrs. Weber write you a pass. There is no reason for you to be here.” I was SO relieved. And as for my stupid incident, he was actually very kind and understanding. I’m sure you will read hundreds of comments like this, but I was grateful to have him (and others like him) at school. He kept things orderly and uncomplicated. And yes, I may have laughed at the multitude of pranks that were pulled, at the end of the day, your father was respected and loved. I hope you are comforted by the many tributes he will receive from former students. Best, Lori (Farb) Jones
Not only did I have Norb Johnson for three years of mathematics, but as my JV basketball coach at MHS. He challenged me both on and off the court to work diligently and inspired all us to be better team players. The first two years as head of the JV basketball team, Coach Johnson achieved an impressive 18-0 and 14-4 record. Quite a remarkable feat for any coach, but a tribute to Coach Johnson’s desire and determination for his players to do their best. To the Johnson family, I share in your lost, but will always have great memories of Coach/Teacher Norb Johnson…God Bless, Steve Burlingame MHS 67
Norb, you were always the life of the party at family gatherings. My kids loved you as did all of we Reitmeyer’s! Even though I left the family several years ago, I will always carry fond memories of you and Susan! Sending prayers to the family for peace and comfort!
My wife and I helped with two post proms back in the 1990’s. Norb was the key to the success of those post proms. He told us we earned an A+ on our efforts and creativity one year. We laughed but really did feel very honored. He was just such a delightful person. His teaching skills were also superior. Rest in Peace Norb.
I am saddened to hear that Norb has died, though his final years were not so active. Norb was always so alive, energetic, and encouraging. His encouraging me to continue my studies in the Educational Administration field at Indiana State University helped me greatly in my profession. I’ll always honor him for that, and for his dedication to his students at MHS. My deepest sympathies to you all, Susan, Cindy, Mike, Julie, and Kristi. Mary Lee Bowman
Norbert was an inspiration to me in high school. I will miss the man and cherish his memory. Rick Van Bokkelen.
Thinking of all the great things Mr Johnson did and was for his students ! He was a wonderful teacher, mentor, friend and supporter of all his students ߒ™ He was one of my favorite teachers and lived how he connected with us all ! Math my favorite and was great learning from him ! I’m sure he will be remembered by Mooresville School , his students and all that he did for them My sumpathy and condolences to his family and friends ߒ™ Thank You Mr Johnson for teaching me and your friendship and guidence Pam (Wampler) Teeters
Mr. Johnson taught me how to drive! best class I ever had! most fun! We won’t forget you Mr. Johnson. Bobby G.
Heartfelt condolences to Susan and to Norb’s family. He was a stalwart and enthusiastic member of the Vincennes Lincoln High School Class of ’54 He will be so missed by all of us. I first met him when we were pupils in La Salle Elementary School here in Vincennes. He and my deceased husband were team mates on Lincoln’s foot ball team, and Norb’s contributions to Lincoln’s famous Homecomings were stellar. Rest in peace, Norb.
William Reitmeyer
Norb Johnson’s impact on my life was huge. I became a professor of mathematics education, and frequently shared stories of his class with my university students. He instilled a love for mathematics, but more importantly he helped his students understand that it was more than merely manipulative symbols on a piece of paper. Rather, he taught us that it was about “thinking,” and solving problems, and — surprisingly to many — having fun. His closet packed with mathematical games and puzzles filled students with a deeper comprehension of what mathematics is really about. I’m grateful to have been his student.
With deepest sympathy,
My sincere sympathy, Mike & Sarah Darnell