Norman Newport

Norman Wayne Newport died Thursday, January, 15, 2026, of lung cancer at the age of 89. He lived a long, full, and fruitful life.

Norman was born on October 26, 1936, to Alvin and Mildred Newport in Hayes Center, Nebraska. He was the second child of four children, joining older brother Jim and later younger sister Gwen and younger brother Bill. His family moved around quite often during his early years until 1944, when they settled at the family home south of Trenton, Nebraska, in the Cornell precinct. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1955. He was enlisted in the Army from November 1956 - September 1959.

In 1965, he met the love of his life, Joan Gessleman, in McCook, Nebraska. They were married in Trenton on July 10, 1965, and shared 60 years together, raising five children. Throughout those years, Norman worked in many occupations, including farming, trucking, custom harvesting, construction, and what he often referred to as “deconstruction.” In July 2025, Norman and Joan celebrated their 60th anniversary with family members and close friends, a milestone both were proud to accomplish.

Norman owned and operated Better Builders for 30 years, building homes with Insulated Concrete Forms. One of his final wishes was to build a home for Joan. Together, they spent months planning and dreaming, and the retirement home he built north of North Platte became a place they truly loved. Norman firmly believed in ICF construction and would enthusiastically explain its benefits to anyone willing to listen.

Norman was a great thinker and could build or rebuild just about anything. He would take parts and bits from various machines to make something he needed. He could generally fix almost anything on a vehicle and rebuilt several engines over the years. Give him a problem to solve and time to consider it, and he was always able to work out a well thought out solution.

Norman was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan and watched or listened to nearly every football game, even during the “bad years.” He also enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs, and NASCAR races. He made it a priority to attend his children and grandchildren's sporting events during their high school years. An avid reader, Norman often read while watching television, with Louis L’Amour being his favorite author. He reread those books many times, believing no other writer could compare.

Norman lived through some tough times, not always having enough money for necessities, but he somehow always made sure his family had enough. The tough times included the illnesses and losses of many special people, including his parents. The most devastating loss of his life was the death of his son, Douglas, in an accident in December of 1992- a crushing wound that never completely healed for Norman and Joan.

Noman is survived by his wife, Joan; four daughters, Kathy Newport of North Platte, Deborah (Chris) Dyrssen of Richmond, KT, Delilah (Curt) Gillming of Kearney, NE, and Kelly (Ryan) Kudera of Baggs, WY; ten grandchildren, Chistoffer (Suzie) Dyrssen of Colorado Springs, CO, Lauren (Alex) Craib of Lexington, KY, Josiah (Bailey) Gillming of Pleasanton, NE, Erik (Christina) Dyrssen of Spencer, OK, Courtney Kudera and fiancee, Alex Shahbazi of Bend, OR, Elizabeth (Tyler) Alms of York, NE, Hannah Gillming of St. Edward, NE, Dane Kudera of Palm Springs, CA, Zach Gillming of St. Edward, NE, and Adelee Dyrssen (special friend Matthew Peterson) of West Chester, PA; six great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Anniah, Jaxson, Lucas, Addison, and Gentry; his sister, Gwen Gallup of Parma, ID; brother Bill (Brenda) Newport of Clayton, NC; nieces and nephews, Don (Barbee) Newport, Ron (Billy Anne) Newport, Linda (Laurie) Newport, and Lee (Sherry) Newport, along with many others; seven great-nieces; one great-nephew; and many cousins and extended family members.

Special people in Norman’s life also included Liz and Shane Patterson and children, Carol Christianson and son Brodie, Terry and Ginger Ault, and Margaret Miller.

Norman was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Newport; his parents, Alvin and Mildred Newport; his brother, James (Beverly) Newport;his sister-in-law, Judy Newport; his brother-in-law, Robert Gallup; his grandparents, Austin (Minnie) Dutcher and James (Maybelle) Newport; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Norman will be laid to rest in Trenton, Nebraska, next to his son and near his parents, brother, and sister-in-law. A memorial service will be on Saturday February 14th, 2026 at 10:00 am at Odean Colonial Chapel who is entrusted with arrangements. Inurnment to follow at Trenton Cemetery with military honors. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com

Memorial gifts in honor of Norman will be contributed to the Douglas Newport Scholarship at North Platte Community College.