Norman Keith Rockwell

Norman Rockwell passed in his sleep with dementia on July 2, 2023, at 4:00 am. He led a full life with the things he loved: family, outdoor activity, and a devoted career in the auto industry. Born and raised in mid-Michigan, Norm grew up with both parents and two younger brothers in Mt. Morris and on Clear Lake. After graduating Mt. Morris High School in 1961, where he was Valedictorian, captain of the Varsity football team, ran track and played basketball, he married his cheerleader girlfriend, Jeanne Marie Martz, his best friend and wife of 62 years. Together, they raised three daughters instilling the importance of education, hard work and physical activity.

From 1961-2009, he worked for Chevrolet and General Motors, promoted throughout his career from the line to Factory Supervisor in the Safety Department until retirement. Norm earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in 1987 from Siena Heights College, Adrian, Michigan. He became a certified electrician. Personally, he worked construction on his own homes, building kitchens, bathrooms, patios, decks and more. He serviced his own snowmobiles, vehicles, lawn mowers, boats, and fixed numerous hair dryers, curling irons, and other appliances for his house of young women. Norm had a reputation of rarely sitting down and was often helpful to his neighbors using his skills, resourcefulness and engineering mind to fix most anything.

Each season brought an opportunity to play hard as well. Every winter, Norm led the snowmobile pack of 20+ on Clear Lake trails and beyond. Since 1980, he held a key role maintaining the trails for Ogemaw Snowmobile Club. In the fall, his family tradition gathered brothers, uncles, nephews and his father to hunt deer. Spring was a time for golf with friends and in Summer (Spring and Fall) one could find Norm swimming across Clear Lake and back like clockwork each morning. He began topping off his routine with a flip off his raft. Pickleball was a big favorite at Crowley Park. Waterskiing, snow skiing, running, biking, corn hole and volleyball kept him busy with family, grandchildren, friends and his energetic wife.

Norm traveled to visit family in San Francisco, Seattle, Whistler and Los Angeles. He ventured with the auto industry to Northern California, Japan and South Korea. After retirement, he took cruises with Jeanne and dear friends, enjoying Italy, Graceland, and Memphis. For his final adventure on his 80th birthday in December 2022, his entire family and grandchildren  traveled to Cancun, Mexico, for a memorable time with Grandpa.

Norm is survived by wife Jeanne Rockwell; daughters Ginger Rockwell Rabkin, Gaye Walter (Jim), and Jodi Rockwell (Shawn Landis); grandchildren Keith Rabkin (Stacey), Danielle Rabkin, Marley Walter, Caiden Walter, Quincy Walter, Cash Landis, and  Bo Brazon Landis; brother Paul Rockwell (Debra); sister in-law Laurie Rockwell; nieces and nephews Kelly Martz (Meyers), Russel Martz, Michelle Rockwell Zinda, Kenneth Rockwell, Kevin Rockwell, and Tamra Rockwell Twork; and great step- grandchildren Kelyn and Sabrina Rabkin.

Those deceased include his father Donald Rockwell and mother Virginia Rockwell; brother Dennis Rockwell; in-laws Russel C. and Nora Martz; brother in law and sister in law Al and Sandy Martz; niece Shanda Martz; and son in-law Dr. Michael Rabkin.

We loved Norm dearly and he will be deeply missed. His spirit lives on at Clear Lake in every rock he piled at the big island sandbar and on each snowy trail through the woods!

There will be a Celebration of Life @ Lakehouse, Father’s Day 6/16/2024.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club, PO BOX 681, Rose City, MI 48654.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com