Norman J. Lindrus

ONTONAGON, Mich. - Norman J. Lindrus, 81, a resident of Ontonagon and prominent local businessman, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016. Norman suffered from Parkinson's disease and was a resident at the Aspirus Long Term Care Facility in Ontonagon for the past seven months.

Norman was born on June 5, 1935, on the Leskela Farm, in Nisula. He was the fourth of eight children born to the late John and Selma (Leskela) Lindrus. As a child, Norman worked on the family dairy farm and attended the Laird school. He graduated from Baraga High School with the Class of 1953. After graduation, Norman took a job as bookkeeper at the Chevrolet dealership in Mass City and continued his education in accounting.

On Sept. 10, 1955, Norman married his classmate and life-long friend, Virginia Maki. The couple was married for 61 years until Virginia passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 25, 2016.

Norman continued to work at Baullinger Chevrolet when the dealership was moved to Ontonagon in the late 50's. In 1966, with encouragement from Baullinger, Norman bought the car dealership with partner, Jack Kattelus, and changed the name to Courtesy Chevrolet-Oldsmobile located at the corner of River and Lake Street. A year later, Norman's wife, Virginia, joined him as business manager and continued in that capacity until the dealership was sold in 1998. Working side-by-side, Norman and Virginia enjoyed numerous friendships with their customers throughout the years. Norm's honesty and integrity were the foundation of all aspects of his life and his customers trusted doing business with him.

In 1973, Lee Johnson signed on as business partner, operating primarily the parts division of the business. Together for 20-some years, Norm and Lee operated the dealership and Courtesy Auto Parts. In the mid 1980's, Norm and Lee bought the Pontiac and Buick franchise from Dean O'Connor and moved the dealership to 311 Spar Street.

Norman was a devout Christian who was an active member of Redeemer Free Lutheran Church of Ontonagon where he was on the church council, taught confirmation and sang in the choir. In addition, Norman was on the Citizen's State Bank Board for 30 years and the Gideon's International organization.

During retirement, Norman enjoyed wintering in Arizona and Florida with Virginia, traveling, spending time at their Twin Lakes cottage, woodworking, gardening and most importantly spending time with his family.

Preceding Norman in death were his wife, Virginia; his parents; a brother, Leslie (Ruth) Lindrus; and brother-in-laws, Don (Vivian) Grentz, Ron (Jeanne) Pelto, Chuck (Ruth) Normand and Bob (Evie) Turpeinen.

Surviving are his daughters, Patti (Mike) Drew of Ontonagon, Julie (Jerry) Domitrovich of Ontonagon, and Michelle (Greg) Libesch of Hartland, Wis .; his grandchildren, Josh (Anna) Drew, Jennifer (Jeremy) Raymond, Matt (Gina) Domitrovich, Katelin Domitrovich, and Carmen and Nick Libesch; eight great-grandchildren; his sisters, Vivian Grentz, Martha (Mervin) Pelto, Jeanne Pelto, Ruth Normand, and Evie Turpeinen; a brother, Rod (Carol) Lindrus; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as Virginia's family.

A joint service for Norman and Virginia will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church of Ontonagon with Reverend Brad Putnam officiating. (Please note the service time change from Virginia's obituary.) Friends may call on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church of Ontonagon. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery of Ontonagon.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Reverend Putnam who made weekly visits to Norman at home and at the Long Term Care Unit during his lengthy illness. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the outstanding staff at the Aspirus Hospital & Long Term Care Facilities in Ontonagon for the exceptional care they provided during Norman's illness.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests memorials be given to the Activities Department of the Aspirus Long Term Care Unit or St. Vincent de Paul of Ontonagon in memory of Norman Lindrus.

To view Norman's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Home of Chassell has been assisting the family with the arrangements.