Norman Lindrus

Obituary of Norman John Lindrus Ontonagon,Norman J. Lindrus, 81, a resident of Ontonagon and prominent local businessman, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 3, 2016. Norman suffered from Parkinsons disease and was a resident at the Aspirus Long Term Care Facility in Ontonagon for the past 7 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 September 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 September 25, 2016.Norman continued to work at Baullinger Chevrolet when the dealership was moved to Ontonagon in the late 50s. 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, Normans 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. Norms 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 1980s, Norm and Lee bought the Pontiac and Buick franchise from Dean OConnor 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 Citizens State Bank Board for 30 years and the Gideons 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, 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, WI, his grandchildren, Josh (Anna) Drew, Jennifer (Jeremy) Raymond, Matt (Gina) Domitrovich, Katelin Domitrovich, Carmen and Nick Libesch, eight great grandchildren, his sisters, Vivian Grentz, Martha (Mervin) Pelto, Jeanne Pelto, Ruth Normand, Evie Turpeinen, and a brother, Rod (Carol) Lindrus, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as Virginias family.A joint service for Norman and Virginia will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday October 8, 2016, at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church of Ontonagon with Reverend Brad Putnam officiating. (Please note the service time change from Virginias obituary.) Friends may call on Saturday October 8, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 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 Normans 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 Normans obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Home of Chassell has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Norman Lindrus , please visit Tribute Store