Norman Eugene Boomer

Norman Boomer has a new address: Heaven.  He was born May 28, 1929 in Onsted, Michigan.  Norm was one of the few remaining products of the 1930 depression.  He saved every bent nail, rusty bolt and bent hinge in a mason jar in his basement.

In his earlier years, Stormin Norman, as he was sometimes known, was an avid golfer and bowler.  He also hunted deer, though never filing a kill tag even once.

Later in life, Norm developed a passion as family groundskeeper.  He would meticulously manicure his yard, even to the point of working sun-up to sun-down, if that's what was required.  The only constant in his lawncare regiment was using only green products, that is, John Deere green products and would shutter at the thought of using anything else.

Norm held numerous jobs throughout his working career including farming before settling at E.W. Bliss, which he stayed for the next 38 years before retiring.

Never to be idle, he then went on to volunteer at Thornapple Valley Church for another 30 years, successfully finishing the race of life he was called to run, even if it took him 91 years.

He leaves a legacy that with hard work, patience, and faith, living year after year, no matter the number of years, we all have the opportunity to grow better with age, not bitter.  Norm will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah and Viola (Sterkin) Boomer, his brother Richard, son Steve and great-granddaughter Oliva.

Norm is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris, children Vicki (Roger) Hill, Lori (James) Olmstead, and Dave Boomer, grandchildren Steven (Aim) Smith, Lori Smith, Jeremy (Amy) Smith, Allison (Tory) Seif, Jonathan (Tiffany) Smith, Carolyn Smith, Benjamin (Michelle) Hull, Joseph (Sarah) Hull, Ashley Boomer, Chelsea Boomer, 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

A private family service was held on Friday, November 27.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .