//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01a/129716/129716-00.jpg

Life Story / Obituary


Print

Norman D. DuCoin, of Petoskey, formerly of Grosse Pointe Woods and Traverse City, died peacefully surrounded by his family at the Hiland Cottage on November 27, 2019.

He was born September 14, 1932 in Chicago, IL, to Anthony and Hedwig (nee Kastenberger) DuCoin and graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit in 1949.

In 1951, with the onset of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a Seaman Storekeeper Striker 1952-1956. He served on the U.S.S. Mercury stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and made 5 trips to the Mediterranean Sea. There are several events that impacted his life and two of those are related to the military – joining the Navy and going to a University under the GI Bill. Norms advice to future soldiers ~ “Make sure you get an honorable discharge so if you want to go to college after the service, the government will pay for your college”

Norm received an honorable discharge from the Navy and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. While attending EMU, he met, and later married, Marie Murtonen.

He went on to become a teacher and counselor in the Grosse Pointe Public School System for 40 years. He enjoyed telling stories, sharing insights, making people laugh, freely giving out hall passes to students and worked at all sporting events taking tickets.

Norm and his wife (Marie) had three children and six grandchildren. The family enjoyed camping trips in the summer months, which extended across the United States of America. He was a champion bowler, liked to host picnic parties at the Grosse Pointe Woods Park and work with special needs children in his spare time.

In 1989 Norm and his wife retired and moved to Traverse City, where they were both active in the community and he volunteered at Munson Hospital and was head of maintenance at a senior community center.

Norm loved playing music. He was an avid collector of all things Charles Schultz “Peanuts” gang and would set off on adventures to find pieces to add for display. He enjoyed drawing Peanuts characters, too, with Charley Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock being his models for cards to friends and people he would see throughout his time. His highlight was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and favorite “granddog,” Jazz.

He is survived by his children: Jon DuCoin, Brighton, MI. Karla (Edward) Stokel, Petoskey, MI, Sarah DuCoin, Chicago, IL and Julie DuCoin (daughter-in-law), Brighton, MI.

Six grandchildren – Brock DuCoin (Chicago, IL), Reese DuCoin (Brighton, MI), Alexis, Victoria, Austin & Vanessa Stokel (Petoskey, MI).

Brother – Tony DuCoin (Texas), Cousin- Gretchen Krammer (Madison Heights, MI) and many nieces and nephews.

Beloved husband to Marie predeceases him after 52 years of marriage.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the nurses at the Hiland Cottage for providing exceptional care, support, dignity and a peaceful departure in the short time that dad had left on earth. McLaren Health Care Hospice team for providing superb medical care, emotional support – a wonderful organization whose staff are truly angels. The family also wishes to thank the physicians, nurses and staff of Internal Medicine and Urology for their unwavering care during these last 2 years. Independence Village of Petoskey for their professional, caring, kindness and exceedingly gift at making residents feel like family. Dad was thankful for the friendships made while living there for 7 years. The highest praise goes to the culinary department, cleaning staff and aides.

Special Thanks to the Ladies at the customer service counter at Meijer, Petoskey and to his favorite bank.

He was a grand fun guy and ALL of you helped keep a smile on dads face and for that we are forever grateful. “You are So Good”

Norm wanted to make a difference with education. He is at University of Michigan in the Anatomical Donation program for the gift of knowledge. Life Story Funeral Home of Traverse City handled arrangements for Norm’s transportation to the University of Michigan Medical Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 21st at 11:00 am in the Main Dining Room at Independence Village, Petoskey.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that a donation be made to either:

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society - LTBHS.com

Hiland Cottage Petoskey - Mclaren.org

Wounded Warrior Project – support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.