Mrs. Norma (Sorensen, Steiner) Kersman's Obituary
Norma Louise Kersman (Sorensen, Steiner), 97, died peacefully on September 13, 2017 at Seminole Shores Living Center in Muskegon. Norma was born on April 23, 1920 to Shirley F. and Christine A. Fitzgerald. The family moved to Muskegon when Norma was very young, and she has lived in Muskegon ever since. Fun-loving, kind, generous, and vivacious, Norma had an endless list of friends throughout her life. She graduated from Muskegon High School in 1938, then attended what became Muskegon Business College. In 1944 Norma married Paul T. Sorensen while Paul served in the United States Navy. After the Second World War Norma and Paul lived in Ann Arbor while Paul attended the University of Michigan Law School, then they moved back to Muskegon. Norma loved Muskegon, and she became involved in a long list of service activities in the community. She had a wonderful artistic gift that she used to paint many beautiful water colors. She was also very active in the outdoors until late in life, playing golf and tennis, swimming and water skiing at Crystal Lake in Oceana County, and taking long beach walks on her vacations in Marco Island, Florida. She could even throw a football or baseball better than many guys half her age. More than anything else, Norma deeply loved her family. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends, and she was always there for her loved ones’ support, care, and guidance. She laughed often, smiled even more, and made everyone around her feel welcome and comfortable.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband Paul Sorensen, her husband Robert Steiner, whom Norma married after Paul passed away, and her husband Herb Kersman, whom she married after Bob passed away. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Charles Teifer, and her brothers Robert and Richard Fitzgerald.
Norma is survived by her son Paul Sorensen of Holland, MI, his wife Candace, and their children Jeff and Nikki Sorensen, and by her son Robert Sorensen of Muskegon, his wife Theresa, and their children Christine Goss (Thomas) and Paul Sorensen.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Home, 6291 S. Harvey St. in Norton Shores. 231-798-1100. Visitation will take place one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Share memories with the family at Norma’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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