Norman R. Mackensen

Norman Robert Mackensen received his victory in Christ on July 11th, 2026 at Clement J. Zablocki VA, Milwaukee WI. He fought a lengthy and difficult battle after suffering a severe stroke in 2022, and eventually succumbed to a rare and aggressive cancer. Through it all, he was assured of and confident that he had a place in his heavenly home.

Norm was born in Tomah, Wisconsin to Pastor Robert Mackensen and Lois (Harnack) Mackensen on August 29, 1957 and was baptized on September 15th, 1957. He attended schools in Bangor, WI and eventually moved with family to Red Wing, MN when his father accepted the pastoral call to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was confirmed in the faith in 1970.

With an eye towards travel and adventure, Norm proudly entered the Navy following high school and served as a journalist. This experience shaped his character and instilled in him a lifelong sense of duty and perseverance. He completed several Mediterranean tours, reveling in the exotic locations but later professed that he was tired of sleeping on a boat.

Following his military service, Norm continued his education earning a BA from Colorado College and an MS from University of Colorado at Boulder.

He built a successful, albeit sometimes stressful, career in information technology, combining his curiosity and problem-solving skills with opportunities to travel extensively to places like China, Japan, and Australia along with a two year assignment in Italy. His work introduced him to various cultures and experiences that he embraced with enthusiasm.

One of life’s greatest adventures began on a bicycle trip when Norm met the love of his life, Gail. Their journey together led to a romantic proposal in Nice, France, an intimate wedding in Long Beach, CA in 1988, and the beginning of a beautiful marriage that lasted 37 years. Together they built a home filled with love, silliness, and unwavering support.

Above all else, Norman’s greatest joy was in his faith and his family. He was a devoted husband and loving father to Rachel, Andrew, and Leah, taking immense pride in their lives and accomplishments. He loved bringing his kids to baseball games, fishing at the local lakes, playing croquet, grilling, and nights by the fire pit. Norm dearly loved being a grandpa to his granddaughters.

Norm also found happiness on the golf course, casting a line while fishing, and cheering for his Brewers. Whether traveling the world, enjoying time outdoors, or gathering with family, he appreciated life’s simple blessings and treasured moments spent with those he loved.

Norm will be remembered for his gentle spirit, adventurous heart, steadfast faith, and deep devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Norm is survived by his wife, Gail (Clark); daughters, Rachel (Ryan) Anderson and Leah (Charlie Grotkin); son, Andrew (Molly) Mackensen; and his granddaughters, Marley Mackensen and Vivian Anderson. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth (Dave) Amundson, Laurie Mawyer, and Sarah (Gordy) Schmidt; sisters-in-law, Cindy (Tim) Smith, Beth (Phil) Swantek, Janice (Mark) Forte and Debra Clark; brothers-in-law, Brian (Jaci) Clark and Rob (Evelyn) Clark, longtime caregiver, Valerina, granddog Jolie and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert & Lois Mackensen, his in-laws, Robert & Rita Clark and his brothers-in-law, Harold Gutzman & Bruce Clark.

We are forever grateful to the many family, friends and our church family for the love and support since Norm’s stroke. God’s grace and mercy were with us throughout.

“Well done, good and faithful servant”. ---Matthew 25:23

Memorials to: Messiah Lutheran Church, Project Kinship, 12145 W. Edgerton Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130.

Visitation at the Max A. Sass & Sons Mission Hills Chapel on Wednesday, July 15 from 5-7 PM. Additional visitation at Messiah Lutheran Church, 12145 W. Edgerton Ave., Hales Corners, on Thursday, July 16 from 9 AM until the time of Service at 10 AM. Private interment at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, WI.