Norman A. Holm, 91, of
Ironwood Township, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, at Westgate Nursing,
Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood. He was born August Henning Norman Holm in
Ironwood on Dec. 17, 1920, son of the late August and Ellen (Ogren) Holm, and
graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1938. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 16, 1940,
serving in the ski corps in Alaska and as a member of the 31st Field Artillery
Battalion in the European Theater of Operations during World War II, and fought
in the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged on June 30,
1945. Following his discharge, Norman returned to
Ironwood and worked in the Penokee, Montreal and Newport Mines, retiring from
White Pine Copper Co. He was also a carpenter and farmer. He was a former member of Grace Lutheran
Church and current member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood, where he belonged
to the Men's Club and sang in the church choir. He was also a charter member of
the Gogebic Range Ski Club, proud member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5,
and former member of Armand DeFelice VFW Post 1823. He enjoyed skiing, fishing,
mowing his lawn, camping, traveling, playing cards, and spending time with his
family and friends. Norman was married to Helia Suliin on May 20,
1940, in Fort Smith, Ark. She preceded him in death on March 19,
1980. He then was married to Laura Swanson Rajala
on Nov. 28, 1980, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood. She preceded him in death
on Oct. 18, 2011. Surviving are his three daughters, Sherry
Holm, Ironwood, Doreen (Larry) Schaller, Lake Nebagamon, Wis., and Marcia (Nick)
Nelson, Ironwood Township; stepchildren, Dennis Rajala, Houston, Tex., and
Lenore (Bill) Kirby, Stevens Point, Wis.; grandchildren, Stacey (Jason) Saari,
Bryan (Kristen) Nelson, Jennifer (Robert) Edyvean, Kolleen (Richard) Oswskey,
Kathy (Blake) Ward, Joann (Robert) Lietha and Amanda Schaller; numerous beloved
great-grandchildren that lit up his life, Nick, Allison, Julia, Catelyn, Tanner,
Zachary, Sadie, Brooklyn, Brecken, Bryce, Tyler, Greta, Gavin and Nicholas;
three stepgrandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; four
stepgreat-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wives, Norman was
preceded in death by a brother, Ray; sister, Margaret French; and
stepgranddaughter, Jill Kirby. Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has
taken place. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Nov.
24, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 100
W. Midland Ave., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Peggy Rose, pastor,
officiating. Full military rites will be accorded at the
church by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship
hall. Private committal and interment will be in
Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred
to Zion Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed to Norman's
family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to
McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.