John Vernon Norton

John Vernon Norton, of White Bear Lake, MN, (formerly lived in Forest Lake, MN) passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born with the last name of Gherty with his biological father having that last name. At the age of three, John’s father passed and Grace Lavelle Gherty Norton raised John along with many family members supporting them along the way. Years later, Walt Norton came into the family and adopted John and he made a huge impact on John’s life.

In John’s early twenties, he married Joan Plummer and they had four daughters Mary, Sue, Sarah and Margaret. In the early years, John was an Ensign in the US Navy in Pensacola, Florida where he learned to fly. After 15 years of ups and downs in marriage, John and Joan decided a divorce would be for the best. A few years later, John married Fern Maybrey who was always very kind to John’s children.

John had many passions in life. He went to school at St. Johns University and played on the first team coached by Gagliadi. That experience formed John into a lifetime Vikings and football fan. After John was in the Navy, he moved back to Minnesota and earned his law degree. He loved his law stories and any topic could often lead to John remembering a case and relaying details about that case. The third passion for John was his AA groups. With all the pressures of life, he realized he needed support from others and he found that through the AA groups, especially the Forest Lake house. Over the years, John was a sponsor to many people and he made a huge impact on many lives. John lived a life with a smile and helping hand to help anyone in need.

John is survived by daughters Mary Griffith (David), Sue Hildman (Mike), Sarah Grue (Steve), and Margaret Monette (John). John has seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to an informal open house at the Hugo City Hall in the Oneka Room on Friday, May 15, at 4-7 PM. There will be a short celebration of life program at 5:30 with memories of the impact John may have had in your life. A private burial will be done at a later date.