Norman Kiel

Norman Wilmarth Kiel, age 92, of Grandville, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 28, 2025. He was born in Grandville, Michigan, on February 22, 1933, to Orin “Bill” and Adeline Kiel and was married for 66 years to his loving wife, Virginia “Jinny” (Cooke) Kiel, all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, James (Wendy) Kiel and Karen (Russell) Dempsey; grandchildren, Sarah (Stephen) Kiel George, Matthew (Cynthia) Metzger, Ariel Dempsey, Jordan (Janine) Dempsey, Tyler Dempsey, and Addie Bronkema; six great-grandchildren, Jhace, Kiely, and Harper Metzger, Alexandra and Elenia George, and Rhema Dempsey; and his sister, Marcia Voet. 

Norm graduated from Grandville High School in Grandville, Michigan, in 1951, where he was proud to be a year-round athlete. He attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a BS from the School of Natural Resources in 1956. He reflected that his two greatest collegiate accomplishments were receiving the Intramural Champion Award (for playing the most Intramural sports) and meeting Jinny, the love of his life. On August 27, 1955, he married Virginia “Jinny” Cooke of Detroit, Michigan. 

Upon graduation, Norm entered the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant. He was stationed at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire and navigated air refueler missions for Strategic Air Command (SAC) over the polar ice cap to support nuclear loaded bombers to deter the Soviet Union and protect the United States during the Korean and Cold War. When not on nuclear alert, Norm represented his base in eight Air Force golf tournaments across the United States. Upon leaving the service in December of 1958, he worked as a furniture salesman for his father’s company, Barton Furniture in Grandville, Michigan. Norm later purchased the company, expanding operations, to Morgan Manufacturing in Grand Rapids and Jenison, Michigan, and began producing church furniture and religious articles.

Norm was a proud Michigan Wolverine. 'Go Blue!' Few fans were more loyal to U of M Football—he held season tickets and wore Michigan gear almost every day. He was also a dedicated member of Rotary for over 50 years and president of the Grandville Rotary Club from 1971-1972. His service culminated in the Paul Harris Fellow Medallion, a lifetime achievement award from the Grandville Rotary Foundation. 

A legendary golfer, Norm was often found on Sunnybrook Golf Course. He was Club Champion in 1972, four-time Senior Club Champion and scored a hole in one after he became blind in his right eye and partially blind in his left. 

Norm retired in 1995. He and Jinny traveled to dozens of countries around the world, sailed around Lake Michigan, and led Airstream trailer caravans within the US, Canada, and Mexico. As full-time grandparents attending every grandchild’s sporting or school event, he and Jinny were a constant presence, cheering them on – rain or shine. 

In October of 2021, Norm lost his beloved wife and best friend, Jinny. He missed her deeply and longed to be by her side. He modeled to his grandchildren how to grieve and still live life meaningfully in the midst of grief; bringing joy to family, friends and neighbors. Norm dedicated his life on earth to Christ, his family, his country, his friends, U of M Football and those in need. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a service to celebrate his life on Saturday, July 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Grandville United Methodist Church, 3140 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville. There will be a visitation with family on Saturday from 10:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church and a University  of Michigan themed "tailgate party" in the church downstairs reception area immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution in Norm’s honor to Lighthouse Vision Loss Center in Sarasota, Florida, by going to www.Lighthousevlc.org and clicking on the DONATE tab or by mailing a check to Lighthouse Vision Loss Center, 7318 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243.