Norman E. Polhamus Died Dec. 23, 2016

Norman E. Polhamus

Died December 23, 2016

LAKE LEELANAU – Norman Earl Polhamus, 86, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2016 at TenderCare of Leelanau surrounded by his loving family.

Norman was born Sep. 19, 1930 in Battle Creek the son of Phillip Polhamus and Nina (Caswell) Polhamus.  On Nov. 29, 1958 at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau he married Helen Ann Priest, who survives.

Norman attended Acme Grade School and high school in Traverse City.  Norman joined the US Coast Guard in 1948, serving primarily on the Intercoastal Waterway.  He took an early Honorable Discharge after contracting polio, and returned to Michigan where worked in several marine related jobs including on a hydraulic dredge and a Lake Michigan car ferry.

Norman moved downstate to work in the Buick car plant in Flint.  Soon afterwards he and Helen Priest were married, and in 1959 they returned to Lake Leelanau.  Norman worked as a machinist at Alka Tool and Die, and then later worked as a machinist at Cone Drive Gear in Traverse City for 23 years before retiring.

Norman served more than 35 years as a volunteer fireman at the Lake Leelanau Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a very active member.

Norman loved his family and had many fond memories of fishing with his wife and children.  He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father-in-law, Albert Priest, and snowmobiling in the winter with friends and family.

Norman is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Helen; three children, Rose (Bob) Falberg, Jean Ann (Bruce) Schlagel, Roxanna Polhamus; and a granddaughter, Hannah Falberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Helen Crouch.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau.  Burial will be held in the Spring.  Father Michael Janowski will serve as Celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or Leland Twp. Fire & Rescue, 201 Grand Ave., Leland, MI 49654

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