Robert D. “Bob” Norris
April 23rd, 1929 - April 6th, 2025
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Bob's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Dale Norris, 95, of Berrien Center, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, in Dowagiac, Michigan.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 11, 2025 at Zion St. Joe United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Dr., St. Joseph, with Pastor Dani Veenstra officiating. Friends may visit with the Family beginning at 10:00 A.M. Friday at the Church. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to Berrien County Youth Fair or Zion St. Joe United Church of Christ. Those wishing to sign Bob’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Bob was born on April 23, 1929, in Niles, MI, to Kay and Ada (Knott) Norris. A 1947 graduate of Niles High School, he went on to attend Michigan State University to study agriculture. Also during this time as a member of Junior Farm Bureau, he met the love of his life, Irene Kerlikowske who also attended Michigan State. The two were married on October 22, 1950, and together they built a life anchored in faith, family, and farming.
A lifelong farmer, Bob learned the trade from his father and went on to establish Homestead Farms in Berrien Center with Irene. There, they raised cattle and hogs and cultivated soybeans and corn across a 1,000-acre family partnership. Their life together was one of hard work, love, and service. They raised two children, Erich and Connie, and filled their lives with time spent with family, friends, and community.
Bob had a deep commitment to serving others and the agricultural community. He was involved from an early age in 4-H and participated in Junior Farm Bureau, earning national recognition in both organizations. Over the years, he held many leadership positions, including Chairman of the National Livestock and Meat Board, Chairman of the Michigan Statewide Agricultural Environmental Committee, President of Michigan Pork Producers, and Director of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Locally, he served as President of the Berrien County Youth Fair, Board Trustee in Berrien Township, and President of Zion Evangelical Church in St. Joseph, MI, where he was a dedicated member. More recently, Bob also served the Berrien County Historical Association. Bob also was a member at Dank Chapter 13 in Benton Harbor, MI where he prepared and served at the Friday fish dinners.
Even outside of official titles, Bob never hesitated to lend a hand. He volunteered countless hours to his church and community—whether it was organizing the Zion Church Swiss-Steak dinners, selling tickets and ushering at the BCYF Grandstand, or announcing at the BCYF livestock auctions-he did it all with love and exuberance.
Over the last few years, Bob lived at The Whitcomb in St. Joseph, MI. He enjoyed his time there making new relationships, serving on several resident committees, and winning at Bingo, most of all.
Bob will be lovingly remembered for his outgoing personality, his ability to connect with anyone, and his unwavering support for the Michigan State Spartans—Go Green! Bob also loved polka throughout his life, enjoying the music with his wife and Dank community. Above all, Bob’s life was guided by his strong Christian faith, which shone through in every action and interaction.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene; his parents, Kay and Ada; his siblings, Vern Norris and June (Norris) Fields; and his son, Erich Norris. He is survived by his daughter Connie (Norris) Hughey (Richard); grandchildren Alison Clifford (Dennis) and Richard Hughey Jr. (Kirsten); and great-grandchildren Kellan, Hugh, and Shane.
Bob lived a life of purpose, generosity, and joy, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community he helped build.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 11, 2025 at Zion St. Joe United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Dr., St. Joseph, with Pastor Dani Veenstra officiating. Friends may visit with the Family beginning at 10:00 A.M. Friday at the Church. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to Berrien County Youth Fair or Zion St. Joe United Church of Christ. Those wishing to sign Bob’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Bob was born on April 23, 1929, in Niles, MI, to Kay and Ada (Knott) Norris. A 1947 graduate of Niles High School, he went on to attend Michigan State University to study agriculture. Also during this time as a member of Junior Farm Bureau, he met the love of his life, Irene Kerlikowske who also attended Michigan State. The two were married on October 22, 1950, and together they built a life anchored in faith, family, and farming.
A lifelong farmer, Bob learned the trade from his father and went on to establish Homestead Farms in Berrien Center with Irene. There, they raised cattle and hogs and cultivated soybeans and corn across a 1,000-acre family partnership. Their life together was one of hard work, love, and service. They raised two children, Erich and Connie, and filled their lives with time spent with family, friends, and community.
Bob had a deep commitment to serving others and the agricultural community. He was involved from an early age in 4-H and participated in Junior Farm Bureau, earning national recognition in both organizations. Over the years, he held many leadership positions, including Chairman of the National Livestock and Meat Board, Chairman of the Michigan Statewide Agricultural Environmental Committee, President of Michigan Pork Producers, and Director of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Locally, he served as President of the Berrien County Youth Fair, Board Trustee in Berrien Township, and President of Zion Evangelical Church in St. Joseph, MI, where he was a dedicated member. More recently, Bob also served the Berrien County Historical Association. Bob also was a member at Dank Chapter 13 in Benton Harbor, MI where he prepared and served at the Friday fish dinners.
Even outside of official titles, Bob never hesitated to lend a hand. He volunteered countless hours to his church and community—whether it was organizing the Zion Church Swiss-Steak dinners, selling tickets and ushering at the BCYF Grandstand, or announcing at the BCYF livestock auctions-he did it all with love and exuberance.
Over the last few years, Bob lived at The Whitcomb in St. Joseph, MI. He enjoyed his time there making new relationships, serving on several resident committees, and winning at Bingo, most of all.
Bob will be lovingly remembered for his outgoing personality, his ability to connect with anyone, and his unwavering support for the Michigan State Spartans—Go Green! Bob also loved polka throughout his life, enjoying the music with his wife and Dank community. Above all, Bob’s life was guided by his strong Christian faith, which shone through in every action and interaction.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene; his parents, Kay and Ada; his siblings, Vern Norris and June (Norris) Fields; and his son, Erich Norris. He is survived by his daughter Connie (Norris) Hughey (Richard); grandchildren Alison Clifford (Dennis) and Richard Hughey Jr. (Kirsten); and great-grandchildren Kellan, Hugh, and Shane.
Bob lived a life of purpose, generosity, and joy, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community he helped build.
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