Norman D. “Norm” Rorick, 90, of Decatur, IN, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at Adams Woodcrest Assisted Living, surrounded by family.
He was born on December 27, 1935, to Frank and Bernadette (Gladieux) Rorick of New Haven, Indiana, the eighth of nine children. Upon the death of his father, Norm worked alongside his brothers and sisters to support the family and graduated from New Haven High School in 1955.
Norm’s lifelong commitment to his family began on April 12, 1958, when he married Phyllis A. Braun of Decatur. For more than 67 years they were inseparable partners, living and sharing their deep faith with their four children and many others. Norm was an active member of St. Mary’s parish, serving on various committees, and was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus.
A master electrician, Norm founded Rorick Electric in 1973 and spent most of his career serving Decatur and surrounding communities. He took pride in his work, striving to approach each job with the same care he would show toward his own home. Norm was also a hobby farmer, working his 40 acres and maintaining a large garden every year.
During Norm’s retirement, the family homestead was a hub of his cherished activities – woodworking, gardening, and baking cookies. The best hours were spent at the kitchen table, where he indulged his competitive streak and his lifelong love of card games with friends and family. Norm’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of joy in his later years, and he never shied away from sharing his trademark humor and orneriness with visitors of all ages.
Norm was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis; his son, Thomas; six brothers, Joseph, Richard, Howard, Arnold, Bill & Herman; one sister, Teresa.
He is survived by his sister, Mary of Columbia City, IN; his daughter-in-law, Melissa Rorick of Decatur, IN; his son, Paul (Rita) Rorick of Northville, MI; two daughters, Geralyn (Andy) Boyden of Huntertown, IN and Patty (Jeff) Ellenberger of New Palestine, IN; ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Front Lobby of Adams Woodcrest Assisted Living and from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 4:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Jacob Runyon and Father Stephen Colchin presiding. Visitation will be held an hour prior to Mass from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Burial will immediately follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Preferred memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or Gibault.
Arrangements are entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
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