Lois Irene Norris' Obituary
Lois Irene Norris, daughter of Dora May and John Kienke, was born March 17, 1930. She passed away April 10, 2021. Lois lived her entire life in the Muskegon area and was a 1949 graduate of Muskegon Heights High School. She had many friends in school, one of whom she would eventually marry. The story I heard was that they were just friends from 7th grade on (they both dated other people). Upon graduation Lois became a stewardess and flew for Eastern Airlines. When Jim found out that Lois had a layover in Chicago, he asked if he could drive down, would she see him? He did drive down, had a meal, and on her way back into the airplane he yelled “Will you marry me?!” The answer was obviously yes, but he had to wait until she had landed before he could call and find out for sure. They were married on December 20, 1952 (Jim was a schoolteacher so they had to do it at the school during the holiday break). In January of 1955, they welcomed their daughter, Lisa. Followed by Bill, Dave, and Eric. Lois was an ordinary yet very extraordinary mom. She was the “other Mother” to many of her children’s friends. Most of whom kept in touch with her for much of her life. She called herself “MY MOTHER THE CAR” since she chauffeured her children many, many, places. She also learned “secrets” by just staying silent and listening. Lois was a beautiful seamstress and could also knit an Irish fisherman’s sweater as if she had come from Dublin (of course her birthday is March 17). Lois was a kind, caring, patient woman, who lived her life with dignity and grace. After Jim’s retirement and with her children grown, she could be found at the golf course, and was even fortunate enough to get TWO holes-in-one. Lois and Jim spent the next 20 years golfing in Florida all winter long. Lois leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Lisa (Fred) Chalker; son, David (Louisa) Norris; daughter-in-law, Laura Norris (widow of Bill); grandchildren: Lauren (Carter) Johnson and Elissa Chalker; great-grandsons: Cole and Asher and baby Chalker due in July; and her much younger sister (22 years younger), Christine Merkle. She also leaves many dear friends and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; sons: Bill and Eric; and her brothers: Jack and Jerry Kienke. The SERVICE and funeral luncheon for Lois will be held at Whitlow’s Banquet room (4610 Airline Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444) on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at 3:00 PM with the reception immediately following. Donations in Lois’s name may be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation, who were a wonderful help to the family, or to the Vikings Linne Lodge #57 Scholarship fund. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
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