Elmer VanOrnam

A kindhearted, hardworking, and fun-loving man, Elmer VanOrnam was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was an avid outdoorsman who also knew his way around the kitchen and made pancakes that were legendary. A devoted husband and loving father, Elmer was thrilled to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who made him so very proud. His generosity was unmatched as he was more than willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. A dear man to many, Elmer will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his numerous friends and loved ones.

Life during the decade that is often known as the Roaring Twenties was truly exciting. Radios, refrigerators, and washing machines were signs of the time while automobiles became more affordable thanks to the assembly line. Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took us soaring above the clouds, and dance crazes like the Charleston colored the cultural fabric of American history. Amidst this vibrant time was the year 1924, and it was during this same year that a young couple from Essex County, New York, was filled with great anticipation as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Elmer J. drew his first breath on July 28th. He was welcomed into the world by his parents, Ransom and Minnie (Martin) VanOrnam. Elmer’s father was a jack of all trades who did whatever he could to earn a living while his mother was a busy homemaker. He had two full biological sisters, and since his parents later separated he was also joined in his family by one half-brother and four half-sisters.

In many ways Elmer experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. He was raised in Essex County, which is about 45 minutes from Lake Placid, New York, and he was an active boy. Elmer played on a basketball team, and he also played high school baseball and played on the Grange fast-pitch softball team. He was quite talented on the ball field as he could pitch and play all the other positions when needed, too.

It was while working as a milk deliveryman at Baker’s Farm that he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Norma Mae Wade, and the two were smitten with one another right from the start. After dating for five years the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Elmer and Norma became husband and wife in September 25,1946. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home: Judy, Linda, Rick, and Alan. On Linda’s 15th birthday in 1965, the family moved to Vicksburg, Michigan, which is the place that Elmer called home for the rest of his life. His work brought their family to Michigan where he worked as a millwright at the local paper mill from 1965 until 1989 when he retired.

As his friends and family can attest, Elmer never could sit still. He was active throughout his life for as long as he could be. Bowling was his favorite thing to do and although he played golf, he primarily went to hang out with his friends, drink beer, and of course do a little golfing, too. A lover of the outdoors, Elmer also hunted and fished. In addition, he was a meat cutter and knew his way around the kitchen as he truly enjoyed cooking. Pancakes were among his specialties, and they were huge, with a side of sausage to go along. Elmer did his own canning for several years as well, and he made the most amazing jerky. His family and friends looked forward to Christmas as his fudge was fantastic. Much of what kept him busy at home was making leather belts and purses. When it came to music, Elmer liked classic country western. Elmer was a member of the Portage/Schoolcraft Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge for over 30 years, and the American Legion in Three Rivers.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Elmer VanOrnam created a timeless collection of memories that will be a lasting treasure in the lives of his loved ones. It has been said that he couldn’t sit still, and he certainly knew what it means to put in a hard day at work. One who wasn’t concerned with what he had, Elmer focused his time and attention of giving whatever he could to all who were within his reach. Humorous, loving, and ever mindful of others, he will never be forgotten.

Elmer J. VanOrnam, of Kalamazoo, died on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Elmer’s family includes his four children: Judy (Robert Ames, Jr.) Bigelow, of New York; Linda (Chuck) Owen, of Three Rivers; Rick (Kerry) VanOrnam, of Vicksburg; Alan (Diana) VanOrnam, of Vicksburg; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, in 2000, one granddaughter, Michelle Owen, 1998 and great grandson, Shawn Irland, in 1998.. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m., Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). Burial will be at Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Elmer’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to American Cancer Society.