Mr. Gordon Joseph Norstrom, age 91, passed away February 18, 2019. He was born April 11, 1927 in Muskegon to the late Fredolph and Eliza Jane (Ashcraft) Norstrom. Gordon was a 1947 graduate of Muskegon High School, coming back to school for his senior year after spending 13 months stationed in Guam as a sailor in the Navy during WWII.
After school he went back to his job at the Muskegon Post Office as a clerk and then a Letter Carrier. He retired at age 55 after 37 years of delivering the mail. In 1955, along with his first wife, they built most of their home on Dorothy Street, where their three children grew up with several other great families.
Gordon was active in the Churchill Athletic Association as a board member and umpire, but mostly he maintained the fields by cutting the grass, among other things. On July 15, 1978, Gordon married Mary Ann Kotrosits Cox. They had 21 great years together before she passed in October 1999.
After they both retired, they traveled extensively around the United States. Several of these trips were by his favorite mode of transportation, the train. They also enjoyed their grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him Grandpa Choo Choo.
Gordon was a Detroit Tiger fan and an active member of McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, NALC, Old Newsies/Goodfellows, NARFE, and the Vikings Linne Lodge #57. SURVIVORS include his Son, Rick (Marcia) Norstrom and their family, Marcy (Scott) Hannahs, Kalynn and Erick; Kindra (Mark) Vilneff, Jordyn and Ashtyn. Daughter, Nancy (Jon) Ryerson and their family, Elly (Jeremy) Kennedy, Ryleigh, Tristyn and Brecken; Jon Ryerson and Martin Ryerson.
Daughter, Laura (Vic) Smith and their family, Jason Smith and Ephraim; Joshua (Brittany) Smith, Remington and Hoyt; Joseph (Megan) Smith, Matthew and Olivia. Step-children, Gary (Cindy) Cox and his sons, Jason and Scott; Dale Cox and his family, Kevin and Tracey (George) Bullard and Harrison and Janis (Karl) Ibershoff and their family, Anne (Matthew) West and Griffin; one brother-in-law, Tom Hicks, 12 nieces and nephews and 10 cousins. He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert (Maryann) and three sisters, Joyce (John) Jozsa, Betty Hicks and Janet (Bill) Parker.
The family would like to thank Grand Pines and Hospice of North Ottawa Community for the care they gave our dad. A Graveside service will be held 11:00AM Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Sunrise Memorial Gardens with a luncheon following at the Vikings. MEMORIALS to the Old Newsies/Goodfellows or the Viking Linne Lodge #57 Scholarship Fund will be appreciated.
Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www. sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gordon J. Norstrom please visit our Sympathy Store.
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