ROCHELLE — Marshall “Bud” Orion Norcross, 73, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 5 at his home in Rochelle. Bud was born on May 23, 1948 in Evansville, Indiana to Robert and Dixie (Marvel) Norcross. He got his nickname from his Dad when he was born. He was brought home and introduced to his older brother as his “Buddy”, the name, Bud, stuck forever.

He is survived by his wife, Maryellen of 17 years, his daughters: Christa (Jeff) Bathgate of Kansas and Jennifer (Robert) White of Wisconsin from his first wife, Patti, four grandchildren: Brodie (Ashton), Amber, Emilie and Blake and his brothers: Bob (Patty) Norcross of Alabama and Richard (Bernadine) Norcross of North Carolina. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Dixie (Marvel) Norcross, parents-in law, Don and Jean Wegener, brothers-in-law: Joe (Diane) Wegener and Bob (Joan) Francis.

Bud retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a delivery operation program support analyst for the Northern Illinois district after 40 years of service in various roles and described it as the “best job ever,” not only the work but the people. After his retirement from the postal service, he worked as the property inspector for the Tax Assessors Office of Flagg Township under the supervision of Bob Elliott (best boss ever).

Bud moved to Rochelle when he married the love of his life, Maryellen. Bud loved to volunteer. He served on the Rochelle Park District Board from 2011-2019, the Rochelle Conservation Club and Rochelle Museum board. He loved to go fishing and was an avid shooter. But his greatest pleasure was “playing in the dirt.” He loved all sorts of plants, flowers and bushes and took pride in keeping the Rochelle Masonic Lodge well landscaped.

Bud was a 50-year master mason and was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Shriners. He was the past master of Rising Sun Masonic Lodge #115 in Grayslake and also the past master of the Rochelle Masonic Lodge #244. Bud served as the secretary of the Rochelle Masonic Lodge #244 from 2011-2021. In Oct. 2018 at the annual meeting for the Grand Lodge of Illinois, Bud received the prestigious award of being named “Secretary of the Year” from the Illinois Masonic Secretaries Association. He was chosen from the 460 lodge secretaries of the state.

He was also a member of the Rochelle Moose and the Kiwanis Golden K. Bud always remarked how lucky and blessed he was to have gained so many friends in Rochelle. He loved the small town atmosphere and the “help your neighbor” attitude.

Very special to Bud was the loving family that he married into. With a wife and nine new brothers and sisters, along with their spouses and family, he truly felt blessed to have acquired such a large and loving new family. Their love, support and humor was what he placed in high regard.

Lastly, Bud loved his wife and two daughters. Though distance separated them, they were always in his heart. He considered his wife, Maryellen, a true gift from God.

The visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 9 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. A Masonic service will follow the visitation at 6 p.m. Sunday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Dr., Rochelle with Father Jesus Dominguez officiating. Burial will be at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Somonauk with Father Kevin Butler. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriner Children’s Hospital or Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon in Bud’s remembrance. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.