Norman Duane McFarren's Obituary
Norman D. McFarren, age 73, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Fremont, MI. He was born to Irving and Delores (Lowe) McFarren on October 22, 1952, in Muskegon, MI. Norm went on to graduate from Oakridge High School and met the love of his life, Ruthann Shermeta, and later married on December 30, 1970, and they were able to spend 55 wonderful years together. Norm was a talented musician who could play multiple instruments by ear and was a lead singer and a known talent on the guitar for the Band of Outlaws who sounded a lot like his hero Waylon Jennings. He and his bandmates recorded an album called Loose Country, and Norm recorded a single in Nashville called Black Rose: a remake of a Waylon Jennings song. He was described as a very humble guy and was his own worst critic. He was known as a funny, witty, personable, and warmhearted man who enjoyed cooking, riding his Harley, and manicuring his lawn (if you stepped on it, you’d hear about it!) He had an artistic touch as he created advertisement posters and apparel, and even created Muskegon Bike Time’s number one logo one year. He most recently took up playing with AI apps, creating images and videos. Norm had a passion for his family and especially loved being a Papa. He is survived in death by his wife: Ruthann McFarren; children: Norman (Kristin Parker) McFarren Jr, Stephanie Pollack; grandchild: Nicole (Tony) Yeager; great granddaughter: Blake Delano; brother: Robert (Ginny) McFarren; sisters: Cathy (Joe) Hendricks, Barbara (Mike) Kamerad; nieces and nephews: Joe (Valerie) Hendricks Jr, Debbie (Donny) Ritter, Irving (Sheila Amaya) McFarren, Jennifer McFarren, Jamie (Sahil) Paiva-Sharma, Michael Paiva along with many great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Irving and Delores McFarren. VISITATION will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI. 49444 with a MEMORIAL SERVICE at 3:00 PM. At Norm’s request, attendees are asked to wear blue jeans. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Newaygo County Compassion Home, 20 S. Stewart Ave, Fremont, MI. 49412. Arrangements through The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com.
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