Michael S. Norton

Michael Steven Norton, 56, of Benton Harbor, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2006, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, surrounded by his loving family, after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 18, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor, where he was a member. Friends may call from 6-8 P.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, with the Rosary recited at 7:30 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to The Lance Armstrong Foundation, National Mail Processing Center, PO Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007, or SS. John & Bernard Catholic Church, Benton Harbor. Friends wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Mike was born on November 15, 1949, in Benton Harbor to William and Juanita (Rausch) Norton. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and Lake Michigan College, attended Michigan State University where he was a member of the football team, and Grand Valley State University, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Sienna Heights University. On April 8, 1972, he married his best friend and soul mate Carol Schultz, who considers him the greatest gift of her life. At the time of his death Mike had been employed by Robert Bosch Corporation for 24 years, and had previously worked for Auto Specialties. Mike was an avid MSU fan who enjoyed spending time with family and vacationing at Walt Disney World. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Mike is survived by his devoted wife Carol, with whom he shared 34 wonderful years of marriage; three sons – Jeremy of Niles, Ryan of Stevensville, and Shawn of East Lansing, MI; grandson Jeremy Jr.; two brothers – Richard (Shirley) of Greeley, CO, and Ronald (Crystal) of Holland, MI; sister Susan (Dale) Clem of Coloma; sister-in-law Diane Norton of Benton Harbor; mother and father-in-law Edward and Mildred Schultz of Stevensville; brother-in-law Alan (Judy) Schultz of Alpharetta, GA; two sisters-in-law – Julie (Ernie) Crane of Coloma, and Marci (Larry) Thivierge of Jenison, MI; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy Douglas, and brother Donald. Thank you for all the joy you have brought into our lives. We will never forget you.