Philip James ‘Phil’ Norman
Philip James ‘Phil’ Norman
BARK RIVER — Philip James “Phil” Norman, 65, of Bark River, passed away unexpectedly at his home Tuesday evening, Oct. 15, 2019.
Phil was born in Escanaba on July 19, 1954, son of Philip and Evelyn (Miljour) Norman. He was raised in Bark River. He graduated from Bark River High School in 1972 and Lake Superior State in 1980.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1972, where he earned a Battle Efficiency Ribbon, First Good Conduct Award and a National Defense Service Award before his honorable discharge in 1978.
Once he graduated from college, he went to work for GE Medical of Southfield, Mich. from 1980-1992, before moving on to work for Fuelman in Novi. In 1996 he and Melissa moved backed to Bark River where he worked as a real estate agent for State Wide Real Estate and also worked at the casino until his retirement in 2007.
On March 9, 1991, Phil married Melissa Poll in Oakland County, Mich. Together they celebrated 28 years of marriage and raised their two sons.
Phil loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed gardening, doing yardwork to improve his property, going to church, Bible study and shooting pool with his friend Randy. He was a volunteer with OSF Hospice for over 10 years and truly loved helping families in need of hospice.
He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River, the American Legion in Bark River and OSF Hospice.
Phil is survived by his wife, Melissa of Bark River; sons, Jamison Norman of Escanaba and Johnathon (fiancé Bethany Lohrey) Norman of Hyde; grandson, Grayson Norman of Hyde; sister, Myrna (Russell) Hron of West Bend, Wis.; father and mother in law, James and Ruth Wicker of Hastings, Mich.; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River. The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. with Pastor Hans Tolpingrud officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Burial will take place at a later date with full military honors in Bark River Township Cemetery.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.