Norman John Christopher "Norm" Grasser (March 20, 1948 - c. January or February 1980) was a man found deceased in a field in Wisconsin. It was determined that he died from cold exposure due to hypothermia.
In the early summer of 2021, the decedent's remains were exhumed, reportedly being in suitable condition.[1]
He was identified by Ramapo College in May 2023, with his identification being announced in December.
Case[]
On March 19, 1980, Norm was found by a man walking behind his property along Highway 17 North. He was lying face-up in a field and had visible trauma to his head. It is unclear why he was in the area, but investigators believe (but are not positive) that he came from Sugar Camp and was traveling by foot en route to Rhinelander at the time of his death.
Norm was noticeably dressed in clothing unsuitable for the cold winter weather, which was probably a factor in his demise. The build of his shoes would have also made him slip and fall several times as he walked on the frozen ground.
When investigators were contacted regarding the case in mid-2020, they indicated that they were "unsure" whether the details of his death could be released due to the active investigation. However, a local news broadcast from March 2021 identified his cause of death as being due to complications of hypothermia. The manner of death is considered an accident.
Identification[]
After a lead to Norm's identity was generated by Ramapo College in 2023, he was finally identified, with it being announced in December 2023. He was last seen in Chicago, Illinois, and had been reported missing on January 20, 1980.
Characteristics[]
- Graying, receding, and slightly long black hair.
- Sideburns and a few areas of stubble on his chin
- Marks near his nose, likely from glasses.
- Shoe size 12.
Clothing and accessories[]
- Corduroy jacket.
- Button-up blue sweater.
- Red and white plaid button-up shirt.
- Brown and white plaid scarf.
- Dark blue corduroy pants.
- Black belt.
- Black Oxford shoes.
- Brown fur earmuffs.
- White-metal Helibros Invincible wristwatch.
- A comb.
- A compass.
- A pink card celebrating the 89th anniversary of the "International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers".
Gallery[]
.jpg "Rhinelandershirt2 (2).jpg (2.22 MB)")
.jpg "Rhinelanderpants (2).jpg (1.46 MB)")
.jpg "Rhinelandershoes (2).jpg (1.07 MB)")
.jpg "Rhinelanderscarf (2).jpg (2.23 MB)")
.jpg "Rhinelanderearmuffs (2).jpg (749 KB)")
.jpg "Rhinelanderwatch (2).jpg (394 KB)")
.jpg "Rhinelandercard (2).jpg (1,017 KB)")
Sources[]
- Norm Grasser at the Doe Network
- Norm Grasser at Find a Grave
- WJFW (archived)
- Ramapo College
- WSAW
Notes[]
- ↑ " This development was confirmed by a member of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office with a member of this website's administrative team."