Norman Stemm
January 9th, 1937 - February 12th, 2025
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Norman's Obituary
Norman Harold Stemm was called home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main St, St Joseph, MI 49085. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 - 11:00 am at church. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Norm's name may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or First Tee of Benton Harbor. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Norman was born January 9, 1937, to Harold & Marie (Stark) Stemm in St. Joseph, MI. Norm grew up in Berrien Springs and graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1955. He joined the US Army and served state-side for 2 years after-which he attended Western Michigan University earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business. Norman returned to Berrien County and began a successful career in sales. Norman’s daughter Shelly was born March 27, 1961. He met and married Ilene (Herman) Stemm February 13, 1965. Norm and Ilene moved to Pontiac, MI and then Lake Zurich, IL where Norm continued to work in sales at both National Cash Register and LeFebure. In 1985 Norm was hired by the Uniform Color Co. of Holland and the couple happily returned to their beloved corner of Michigan where their family and friends welcomed them home.
A man of solid and true faith, Norman always had a home church, upon returning to the area they became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. They were faithful parishioners, attending bible classes, being part of the SAGES group and they loved to help decorate the church for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Norm worked for Uniform Color until his retirement in 1999. Norm and Ilene enjoyed their retirement when they purchased a home in Vero Beach, FL and spent the winter months in the Florida sun, filling their days with golf, day trips, good friends, family visits and lots of adventures. Norm loved sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs and always golf. But most of all he loved his family, he and Ilene were always there to support their grandchildren, nieces and nephews, whether it was a sporting event, dance recital or any important activity, they were always there for their loved ones.
Norman is survived by his wife of 60 years Ilene; his daughter, Shelly (David) Stankiewicz; grandchildren, Andrew Stankiewicz and Karleann (Tyler) Dragomer; and 1 great grandchild on the way; his sister, Linda (Gilbert) Hasso; sisters-in-law, Anne Scheffler and Janice (William) Stouffer, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marie Stemm; his sister, Marlene (Robert) Tollas; and his mother-in-law, Lydia Herman.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main St, St Joseph, MI 49085. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 - 11:00 am at church. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Norm's name may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or First Tee of Benton Harbor. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Norman was born January 9, 1937, to Harold & Marie (Stark) Stemm in St. Joseph, MI. Norm grew up in Berrien Springs and graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1955. He joined the US Army and served state-side for 2 years after-which he attended Western Michigan University earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business. Norman returned to Berrien County and began a successful career in sales. Norman’s daughter Shelly was born March 27, 1961. He met and married Ilene (Herman) Stemm February 13, 1965. Norm and Ilene moved to Pontiac, MI and then Lake Zurich, IL where Norm continued to work in sales at both National Cash Register and LeFebure. In 1985 Norm was hired by the Uniform Color Co. of Holland and the couple happily returned to their beloved corner of Michigan where their family and friends welcomed them home.
A man of solid and true faith, Norman always had a home church, upon returning to the area they became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. They were faithful parishioners, attending bible classes, being part of the SAGES group and they loved to help decorate the church for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Norm worked for Uniform Color until his retirement in 1999. Norm and Ilene enjoyed their retirement when they purchased a home in Vero Beach, FL and spent the winter months in the Florida sun, filling their days with golf, day trips, good friends, family visits and lots of adventures. Norm loved sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs and always golf. But most of all he loved his family, he and Ilene were always there to support their grandchildren, nieces and nephews, whether it was a sporting event, dance recital or any important activity, they were always there for their loved ones.
Norman is survived by his wife of 60 years Ilene; his daughter, Shelly (David) Stankiewicz; grandchildren, Andrew Stankiewicz and Karleann (Tyler) Dragomer; and 1 great grandchild on the way; his sister, Linda (Gilbert) Hasso; sisters-in-law, Anne Scheffler and Janice (William) Stouffer, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marie Stemm; his sister, Marlene (Robert) Tollas; and his mother-in-law, Lydia Herman.
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