Norbert Lee Lovata

Norbert Lee Lovata went to his eternal life June 29, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family at home in Santa Fe, NM.

Foremost in his life was his dedication and pride in the loves of his life: wife Joan (Davidson) married 57 years, August 5, 1967 in Denver, CO; sons Troy and Todd; and special joy, grandson Laramie.

Norb was born May 29, 1944 in Cheyenne, WY, the youngest of the six siblings of Laura (Walker) and Chris Sr. He enjoyed Boy Scouts and hunting with his dad and brothers. He graduated from Cheyenne East High School in 1962.

Norb was a good hearted outgoing man who loved to talk, travel, learn and was always ready for a slice of watermelon. He was a news junkie, enjoyed talking politics, and a proud Democrat with a passion for sharing his immense knowledge, especially history, military, cars or construction. He was very close to Joan’s parents Luticia and Larry Davidson, and her brothers and their families.

When he met you, no matter from where you hailed, Norb enjoyed hearing about you and finding a connection. Quick to lend a hand on any construction project no matter how big or small, no matter for family, friend or someone he’d just met. He had a talent for building things.

Norb was a life member of VFW Post 8216 Middleton, WI and he proudly wore his Vietnam Vet hats decorated with pins, alway saying “Welcome Home” to fellow Vets.

Norb enlisted in the US Army on January 5, 1965, serving with the Army Security Agency through 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and received a Top Secret Crypto Clearance and completed Jungle Warfare School at Fort Devon, MA. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam 1966/67 with the 509th Radio Research Group, Combat Engineers and received the Army Commendation Medal. His final post was the National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, Laurel, MD.

After military service Norb returned to the University of Wyoming in Laramie, earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in vocational education, and began his career as an educator. During that time sons Todd and a Troy were born. In 1973 the family moved to Frankfurt, Germany to travel the world and he taught high school to American military dependents. Stateside he taught at Widefield High School, Security, CO followed by Department Head at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, ND. He then became a Professor of Construction at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where the family enjoyed their sons’ Scouting years, while Norb also built their own home and completed his Doctorate degree in the science of fiber reinforced concrete at Iowa State University, Ames. Norb was then offered a professorship at University of Wisconsin, Madison. His final educational position was as Associate Dean with Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, WI setting up their construction program.

In Madison, he and Joan started a construction consulting company specializing in residential and commercial structural inspections and as a construction expert witness. He so enjoyed meeting and helping people with his vast knowledge, he never considered it just work.

After 32 great years living in Madison, WI, Norb and Joan moved to Santa Fe, NM where they loved exploring. Working on projects with, hunting, and following Troy’s career as a university professor brought him immense pleasure. Grandpa loved watching Laramie grow, sharing his love of military history, or building things together--especially their hundreds of airplanes.

In 2008 Norb beat liver cancer due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Determined to live the best life he could when it returned in 2021, often in great pain, he fought on, rallying with his great smile intact.

Norbert is survived by his wife; sons; grandson; sister Genevieve Ford; sister-in-law Rosemary Herrell, brothers-in-law Paul Tyler, John (Linda) and Duane Davidson; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and close friends including childhood pal Alan Martin. He was proceeded in death by his parents; his siblings Yvonne, Chris Jr, Walter, Melvin; and niece Debbie. His family will take his urn to Gates, NE country cemetery. His motto lives on: “Live the best life you can”