Obituary for Henry Norman Fjerstad, Jr.
Henry Norman Fjerstad, Jr.
Saginaw Twp., Michigan
Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather departed from his cherished family, gently into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving children. Age 90 years. The son of the late Henry “Hank” and Mervina (Johnson) Fjerstad, Sr., Norman was born on August 15, 1932 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was married to his beautiful bride and the love of his life, Sue Ann Lalonde on May 21, 1955 at Holy Family Catholic Church on a beautiful Spring day. She predeceased him on January 8, 2021.
Surviving are his children, Michael Allen (Laurie) Fjerstad, Robert Neal (Kathy) Fjerstad, Gena Leigh (Jim) McGillis; seven grandchildren; Sarah (Ron) Pulaski, Emily Fjerstad, Joshua Fjerstad, Brandon (Rachel) Fjerstad, James McGillis, Megan (Wilson) Shaner and Bob Fjerstad; three great grandchildren, Chloe, Peyton, and Harleigh Pulaski; and many loving Nieces and Nephews. Henry was preceded in death by his eldest son, Mark Norman Fjerstad on January 1, 2021.
Norm worked at General Motors after serving his country during the Korean War. He was a product designer and engineer for 38 years before retiring. First and foremost Norm was a devout family man and he cherished the family that God gave him. He spent weekends with his family at their cottage that he and his father-in-law built on Wixom Lake, there they enjoyed boating, Jet skiing, swimming, water skiing and fishing. These were wonderful years spent with his wife and four children and with his beautiful grandchildren. When at home you could always find him spending countless hours outdoors tending to his beautiful rose bushes and meticulous landscape. Norm and Sue enjoyed bird watching together…he created a sanctuary in his backyard that grew ever-increasing over the years. They shared a rock-solid faith in God that kept them grounded in the Word of God; each night taking turns reading scriptures and praying. They read through the Bible together many times over. Their faith was at the core of their beautiful relationship which they shared together for 65 years. They attended Saginaw First Assembly of God together for over 35 years, and dedicated their lives of service in various ministries throughout those years there.
Lastly, Norm was known by his family as “Mr. Fix-it” if it was broken, no matter what it was, he almost always could fix it. His engineering skills proved to be a great asset throughout his life.
His family gives thanks to God for a lifetime of loving and being loved by him. Heaven’s light grew brighter on Sunday afternoon when he arrived safely “Home”.
Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Mr. Mark Redburn will officiate. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #1859. Private interment will take place in St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Saginaw Teen Challenge or Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Saginaw Twp., Michigan
Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather departed from his cherished family, gently into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving children. Age 90 years. The son of the late Henry “Hank” and Mervina (Johnson) Fjerstad, Sr., Norman was born on August 15, 1932 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was married to his beautiful bride and the love of his life, Sue Ann Lalonde on May 21, 1955 at Holy Family Catholic Church on a beautiful Spring day. She predeceased him on January 8, 2021.
Surviving are his children, Michael Allen (Laurie) Fjerstad, Robert Neal (Kathy) Fjerstad, Gena Leigh (Jim) McGillis; seven grandchildren; Sarah (Ron) Pulaski, Emily Fjerstad, Joshua Fjerstad, Brandon (Rachel) Fjerstad, James McGillis, Megan (Wilson) Shaner and Bob Fjerstad; three great grandchildren, Chloe, Peyton, and Harleigh Pulaski; and many loving Nieces and Nephews. Henry was preceded in death by his eldest son, Mark Norman Fjerstad on January 1, 2021.
Norm worked at General Motors after serving his country during the Korean War. He was a product designer and engineer for 38 years before retiring. First and foremost Norm was a devout family man and he cherished the family that God gave him. He spent weekends with his family at their cottage that he and his father-in-law built on Wixom Lake, there they enjoyed boating, Jet skiing, swimming, water skiing and fishing. These were wonderful years spent with his wife and four children and with his beautiful grandchildren. When at home you could always find him spending countless hours outdoors tending to his beautiful rose bushes and meticulous landscape. Norm and Sue enjoyed bird watching together…he created a sanctuary in his backyard that grew ever-increasing over the years. They shared a rock-solid faith in God that kept them grounded in the Word of God; each night taking turns reading scriptures and praying. They read through the Bible together many times over. Their faith was at the core of their beautiful relationship which they shared together for 65 years. They attended Saginaw First Assembly of God together for over 35 years, and dedicated their lives of service in various ministries throughout those years there.
Lastly, Norm was known by his family as “Mr. Fix-it” if it was broken, no matter what it was, he almost always could fix it. His engineering skills proved to be a great asset throughout his life.
His family gives thanks to God for a lifetime of loving and being loved by him. Heaven’s light grew brighter on Sunday afternoon when he arrived safely “Home”.
Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Mr. Mark Redburn will officiate. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #1859. Private interment will take place in St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Saginaw Teen Challenge or Make-A-Wish Foundation.