Norris' Obituary
Norris B. Nierste, 89, a longtime resident of Brookston, passed away peacefully at 4:02 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Westminster Village of Indianapolis.
He was born July 18, 1935, in Freelandville, Indiana, to the late C. Walter and Lydia (Albrecht) Nierste.
Norris grew up in Freelandville, Indiana, a small town of 250 people, in Knox County north of Vincennes. After high school graduation he went to Indiana State University and earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and mathematics. While in college, Norris would meet the love of his life and future wife, Suzanne Temple. After college, Norris joined the U.S. Army on September 11, 1957, had basic training in Georgia, then was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge on August 8, 1959.
Upon returning from the military, Norris was hired in the fall of 1959 to teach mathematics and physical education, as well as coach basketball and baseball at Brookston High School in rural Indiana.
On May 28, 1967, Norris married Suzanne “Suzy” Temple, of Terre Haute, in the Salem United Church of Christ in Westphalia, Indiana. Together the couple would share two sons, Todd and Tim.
Over the next 38 ½ years, Norris worked as Math, Physical Education and Driver Education teacher. He also coached basketball, baseball, track and cross-country. He spent 8 years as assistant basketball coach and 13 years as head coach in Basketball. Norris cherished the relationships with his students and players and was proud to see them succeed both on and off the court. During his tenure the basketball team won multiple Sectional Championships including 1967, 1968, 1973 and 1976. Norris continued to enhance his education through Indiana State ultimately becoming Athletic Director of Brookston High School which consolidated with Chalmers High School to become Frontier School Corporation. After another degree, an Education Specialist, at Indiana State, this capable educator was named Superintendent in 1988 serving in that role until his retirement in 1998.
Shortly after retirement, he and Suzy moved to Indianapolis to be closer to their sons and grandchildren. Norris enjoyed playing golf in retirement, but his heart was always on the high school basketball court. He enjoyed following Purdue Men’s Basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. Norris was also a member of Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis.
Surviving are his two sons, Todd (Sherri) of Indianapolis, and Tim (Stacey) of Fishers and five grandchildren, Alex, Jack, Sam, Paige and Abbey. Norris was extremely proud of his family, especially the accomplishments of his grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Vincent of Edina, Minnesota.
Preceding him in death with his parents and wife, Suzy, are two brothers, Carter and Conway.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at “Old Brookston Gym” located on the grounds of Frontier Elementary School (811 S. Railroad St. Brookston, IN 47923); his friend Rev. Ryan Hazen of Geist Christian Church to officiate. Private family interment will be at Highland Lawn Cemetery of Terre Haute on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com
In going through dad’s things, we found his old briefcase he carried to school for 30 years, on the inside was a post it note that read:
Suggestions to live a rewarding life:
· Improve your performance by improving your attitude.
· Never deprive someone of hope, it might be all they have.
· Take care of your reputation, it’s the only one you’ve got.
· Be there when people need you.
