Norm VanPelt, 89

Norman D. VanPelt, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, April 10, 2017, at his home.
He was born Feb. 14, 1928, in Fawn River, a son of the late Crate and Viola (Knight) VanPelt.
Norman was a lifelong Sturgis-area resident. On Feb. 15, 1947, he married Betty Jean Jourdan in Angola, Ind. She died Feb. 9, 2014.
Norm retired from the city of Sturgis electric department following more than 30 years of dedicated service.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Sturgis, where he had served as a deacon and board member.
He was also a member of the Antique Car Club and enjoyed woodworking, tinkering in his garage, working in his yard and time spent in the outdoors. Norm loved wintering in Arizona and had a true appreciation for old western arts and crafts.
He is survived by a daughter, Linda (Ken) Davenport of Iowa City, Iowa; a son, Mike VanPelt of Sturgis; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sisters, Helen Wallman and Dorothy Clarke; and two brothers, Donald VanPelt and Pete VanPelt.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Norman VanPelt will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Dennis DeMott will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the services at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes in Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. VanPelt’s memory consider the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3882.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.