Gerald Floyd Norris

Gerald Floyd Norris, age 80 of Sterling Heights, died Friday, February 5, 2021. He was born January 12, 1941 in Traverse City, Michigan, son of the late Floyd R. and the late Elizabeth Louise (nee: Franke) Norris.

Employed with the federal government for many years, Gerald extended the best of his expertise as an accountant at the TACOM plant in Warren. Serving with pride and distinction throughout his time on the job, Gerald was a loyal and dedicated employee who finally accepted his well-deserved retirement in 1999.

When work wasn’t calling, Jerry was known for his love of nature and the importance of getting back to it as often as possible. Whether he was down at a favorite fishing hole enjoying the day, and the sport,…or out in his garden toiling away and doing his part to enhance its beauty,…or taking in the simple pleasure of bird watching, which he loved, Jerry was truly a fan of the outdoors and couldn’t get enough of its beauty and benefits.

Jerry was also a huge fan of traveling, especially when the car was headed for Traverse City, or the quaint Bavarian village of Frankenmuth. One being the city of his roots and a source of immensely beautiful scenery,…and the other a unique “Blast of Bavaria” with all of its sights, sounds, smells,…and of course, those iconic mouthwatering chicken dinners. Both venues were genuine in their own way, and both kept calling Jerry and his family back, time and time again.

He will also be remembered for his love of sports, particularly his beloved Detroit Tigers. With baseball being Jerry’s most coveted sport of them all, following his hometown “Boys of Summer” was always his favorite months of the year. Baseball season also meant it was time to go enjoy something unique and close by, so Jerry made frequent visits to Jimmy John’s Field in Utica to take in a little baseball action from those working their way up in the sport. The field never disappointed in offering a great game at a great place. Yet his sporting pleasures were also highlighted by his appreciation for hockey and his hometown heroes, the Detroit Red Wings,…and the game of football as well. But Jerry’s love of sports was never more held treasured than when he was watching his grandchildren compete in their respective baseball, hockey or soccer events. Always the proud Grandpa in the stands, they never had a more encouraging and supportive voice than his calling out as he cheered their every effort.

Jerry was all about family, especially around the holidays. With his children’s faces lit up with joy and anticipation, and a wife & mother doing her utmost to enhance the beauty of each season,…holidays were always some of life’s most precious moments for Jerry. Then came the grandchildren who simply added the cherry on the sundae to his joy and elation of those treasured family times spent together.

A loving husband to his bride of 52 years, Jerry was also a good, kind and patient father and grandfather who adored the loved ones entrusted to his care. Along with caring for them, he was also given to reaching out and helping others whenever he sensed a need. He loved making family memories to last a lifetime, and his legacy of love is sure to be embraced with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.     

Gerald was the beloved husband of Patricia (nee: Szalankiewicz) Norris. Dear father of Donna (Keith) Jagodzinski and Christy (James) Senechal. Loving grandfather of Ashley, Matthew, and Sarah. Cherished brother of Inez (Earl) Stauffer, Bill (Theresa) Norris, and Gene (Connie) Norris. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass for Gerald will be held Saturday, February 13th at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 3851 Prescott in Hamtramck, MI. Mass will begin at 11:00 am, with the family welcoming guests from 10:30 am until the time of Mass. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Memorial donations are welcomed to the Capuchin Ministries, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207.  (www.cskdetroit.org)

Please share memories of Gerald at his guest book below.