Norbert J. Esser, 1932-2024
Norbert Esser ’54, MBA’58, PhD’60, passed away on December 20, 2024, at his home in Greenville, SC. Norb was an outstanding scholar-athlete at the UW. He played end for the Badger football team, including the 1953 Rose Bowl squad. He was the 1954 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient. Norb grew up in Madison and attended Edgewood High School (where he met his wife-to-be, Susan Hunt). After military service he returned to the UW for graduate work at the School of Business, culminating in earning a PhD. He then pursued a long business career and, following retirement, taught business students. Always a fine athlete, he was a excellent senior tennis player and was still playing recreationally past the age of 90. He and Sue were married for 64 years, raising five sons.
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