DeWitt Ross & Stevens Mourns the Loss of Norman C. Herro
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Norman C. Herro, a senior partner with DeWitt Ross & Stevens in Madison, on April 9, 2009. Norm was 90 and passed away after a brief illness with his family by his side.
Norm had more than 60 years of legal experience, with a focus in real estate, business and estate planning, probate law. His clients included individuals, banks, realtors and brokers, construction companies, and a wide variety of businesses.
Norm graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics. Foreseeing America’s entry into World War II, he quit his job in the summer of 1941 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps, becoming the navigator on a C-47 transport. During his four years of service, Norm spent two years in Egypt and North Africa before dropping Pathfinders into Normandy on the eve of D-Day. When Norm enlisted, he had never been further from home than Chicago, but he soon developed a passion for travel, particularly in the Middle East and Mexico. Norm was so knowledgeable about Egypt that his commanding officers in Europe asked him to take them on tours and buying trips to Cairo.
Norm returned to Wisconsin in 1945, He started an accounting business to support his family while he made his way through UW Law School. That business grew to become Madison Bookkeeping and Tax Service. Upon graduation in 1949, Norm formed the Herro and Buehner law firm, one of the predecessors of today’s DeWitt Ross & Stevens. He practiced law there until 1973 when he was asked to join United Banks of Wisconsin, soon becoming general counsel. After 14 years in banking, he retired. Norm returned in 1988 to his former law firm which is now DeWitt Ross & Stevens and continued practicing there until his death.
Among many accomplishments, Norm was instrumental in creating a unique compensation system that continues today to attract top-notch attorneys to DeWitt Ross & Stevens. The compensation system, devised in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, has since become a model for many law firms nationwide.
Norm always had an eye for real estate, often advising family members, “They aren’t making any more land.” While he was particularly adept at acquiring land with waterfront and wetland amenities, his biggest success was the development of the Glendale area on Madison’s Far East Side.
Always the gentleman, Norm made friends all over the world and right here at home. His easy sense of humor, generosity, loyalty and strong character endeared him to all. Norm was an avid golfer (and an even better coach). His enthusiasm for winning at gin rummy has left many warm memories.
Norm leaves his son, Stuart C. Herro (Susanna), Mark A. Herro, loving friend, Gloria Turgeson; grandchildren, Christian Herro (Cecci), Maria Herro (Jason), Ed Herro, Alana Herro and three great-grandchildren.