Early in life Norman went by Junior, or Junior Sage. To him, life initially taught him, at times harshly, to make his own way through his earthly journey. This road was long and had great highs and lows. Throughout it all, Norman created a presence of selflessness, strength and compassion rarely seen.

Norman began life locally in Evart in a time very different than now. He eventually learned about life on a farm with his beloved foster parents, Gilbert and Florence Sage. He met his one true love and soon wife, Norma Kailing in his teens, marrying her and then creating a family with seven children. When life tested him with a serious challenge of a newborn family member, he found prayer. Eventually, he was baptized into the Catholic faith that Norma was raised in. He held strong to his faith to guide him. They were married for 62 years.

His work life started in the Michigan oil fields, and later as an electrical lineman in IBEW local 876. With Norma, they owned Norms Grocery in the Heights for 25 years. He always worked hard and with unselfish care as he had learned on the small farm of his foster parents. Norman lived his entire life in Michigan as an avid outdoorsman, fishing and hunting his entire life, learning the Muskegon River like the back of his hand. He learned the preciousness of life, saving many lives in selfless acts, often first to respond to tragedy whether in the field or as Captain of Roger Heights/Mecosta Twp. Fire Department. He was always eager to impart wisdom from his own lessons. He is survived by his wife, Norma Merrill of Big Rapids; five children, Jack (Tammy) of Nebo, Kentucky, Susan (Thomas) Stahl of Portage, Gary (Lizie) of Grand Rapids, Jennifer (Reginald) Norris of Big Rapids, and Paula (James) Weipert of Big Rapids; daughter-in-law, Nanette Merrill of Pierceton, Indiana; 18 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Alfred Merrill of Ocala, Florida; several nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his foster parents, Gilbert and Florence Sage; daughter, Donna; son, Douglas; brother, Robert Drews; and sister, Barbara Jean Wilson. Mass of the Resurrection will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids (1009 Marion Avenue) with Father Jegar Fickel officiating. The family will greet friends Tuesday, June 5th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m., at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Norman will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Reed City. Memorial contributions may be made in Normans name to St. Mary Catholic School or Spectrum Health Hospice. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking our guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Mass of the Resurrection Wednesday, June 6, 2018 11:00 AM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307