Norman Visser

A strong, courageous, and faith-filled man, Norman Visser was an inspiration to everyone he met. He was a man of principle who was a leader rather than a follower, and his devotion to his community throughout his career didn’t go unnoticed. Norm was a loving husband and father who was an active part of his children’s lives, and later in life he considered it his greatest gift to become a grandfather to the five grandchildren he adored. He had a lifelong love of farm life, enjoyed traveling, and was an amazing host at his home, but what made all of these experiences truly extraordinary was sharing them with the ones he loved. Life will never be the same without Norm here, but his timeless wisdom, strong legacy, and unwavering faith will continue on in the lives of all who follow in his footsteps.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, which drove the unemployment rate to well over 20 percent, and a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years. Despite the hardships around them, Arie and Wilma (Borgman) Visser were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on August 20, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Named Norman Lee, he was the fourth of five children in his family and was raised alongside his three older brothers, Bob, Ken, and Harold, and his younger sister, Sharon. The Visser family moved around several times, but they did spend a fair amount of time in Rockford.

In many ways Norm experienced a fairly typical childhood. He was raised primarily by his mother and sometimes things were difficult, but Norm and his siblings learned to be responsible. He worked on local farms, but he was also known to find his fair share of mischief in his free time. Norm attended local schools including Rockford High School where he played football.

A few months after graduating from high school, Norm enlisted in the United States Air Force. While in the service from 1953 to 1957, he primarily worked as a mechanic for B52 bombers and was stationed in Orlando for the most part. Norm did also spend a bit of time in England and Africa. He enjoyed his time in the service, particularly his time in England.

Upon returning home, Norm began dating the woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Judy VanSweden, and although they had known one another for many years because they attended church together, they had never dated prior to this time. It wasn’t long before they found themselves deeply in love, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together they were married on October 24, 1958, at Plainfield Christian Reformed Church. Since Norm had spent some time in Florida while in the military, the newlyweds went there for their honeymoon. They then returned to Grand Rapids and moved into a place near Judy’s parents off Pettis Street. They soon started a family that grew to include two children, Debra and Kelly. Later, the Vissers built a home on her parents’ property.

After getting out of the military, Norm did a few odd jobs, but his dream was to make a career in law enforcement. He was blessed to join the Grand Rapids Police Department, and since he was naturally firm, decisive, and able to command attention and respect from others, it was a great fit. Norm also looked the part with his flat top and large stature. Although he could look a bit intimidating, he was always fair. His career aspirations shifted a bit when a training exercise left him with a knee injury that took him off the streets for the most part. Throughout the rest of his 31 year career, his duties were primarily in the evidence room or warrant office.

Norm enjoyed his work, but his heart was always with his family. As a father he was also strong and authoritative, but he was also loving and fair with a bark that was worse than his bite. Norm was deeply devoted to his family and always wanted what was in their best interest. Some of the Visser’s favorite memories as a family were made vacationing in the summer to places like Platte Lake, Bear Lake, and Cedar Point. There were also numerous pool parties with family and friends at their home, and Norm also built a fireplace to enjoy with his family. Because his brother lived nearby, they regularly did things with their combined families. Working on a farm while growing up gave Norm a love for farm life. He kept an extensive garden with fruits and vegetables, and he always had a variety of animals whether for food or to later sell. In this way, his love for this lifestyle was a significant part of their family life.

Always one to be busy, Norm was a man of many interests. He and Judy were longtime members of 7th Reformed Church where he also served as an elder several times. Norm’s faith was strong, and he also instilled this same faith within his daughters. Devotions were just a regular part of family life, and he looked forward to the music part of the worship service each week. Norm loved reading, especially historical stuff including local history and information. He loved museums or just taking a drive someplace so he could learn about an interesting piece of information. Later in life he began antiquing and visiting garage sales. During his retirement years, Norm wanted to keep working, so he spent a few years working at Jurgen’s and Holtvluwers and later at Family Fare. Norm loved being with his grandchildren and was always up for taking them on an adventure of some kind, teaching them something along the way. Sometimes he came up with crafts to do with them, too.

Later in life Norm’s health declined, and they moved from the farm. As his mind clouded with Alzheimer’s disease, he was blessed that his family was able to care for him for the most part until just the past few months.

With unending love for his family, Norman Visser was such a gift. He served others whether in the community, his church family, and his own wife, children, and grandchildren, and he loved giving his loved ones memorable experiences of all kinds. Norm will never be forgotten.

Norman L. Visser, age 80, of Belmont, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 5, 2015. Norm served in the U.S. Air Force and then served 31 years with the Grand Rapids Police Department. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bob, Ken and Harold. Norm is survived by his wife, Judy; children Debra & Rudy DenBroeder, Kelly & David Teachout; grandchildren Alyssa DenBroeder, Erik (Betsy) DenBroeder, Steven Visser, Brittany Wing, Bethany Marshall; great grandchildren Hadley and Cooper DenBroeder; sister, Sharon Hoekstra; sisters-in-law Bonnie Visser and Midge (Larry) Huizinga; and several nieces and nephews. Norm's funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10 at 12 Noon at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard NW. Friends are invited to visit with Norm's family on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE and at the church on Friday from 11 AM until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the 7th Reformed Benevolent Fund are appreciated. To read more about his life, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com