Norman Lamer Obituary

It is with heavy hearts our family must announce the passing of Norman Gale Lamer, who gained his wings with joy on July 5th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather (gramps) and Great-Grandfather and his family will dearly miss him.
Norman was born to Peter and Rachel (Geukes) Lamer in Hastings Michigan and spent his youth in Battle Creek where he graduated from Lakeview High School.
He attended Hope College and Western Michigan University, studying Architecture. He loved to solve any and every problem. Norman was a renaissance man, using his skills and talents to create many things in life. Many of those things out of necessity and often done whimsy, just to see if he could get it done.
Norman met the love of his life, Ilene (Wills) Lamer, whom he married on March 4, 1961. Norm always said he liked this date because it was the only command on the calendar, which helped him remember it.
Norman and Ilene were known for their annual summer trek to Beaver Island. They spent their summers reading, fishing (especially if he didn't have to clean the fish) and spending time in wonderful paradise, mosquitos and all. They made many life-long friends on and off the island with whom they share numerous memories. If you know Norm, you know he loved to laugh. He loved sharing his sense of humor whenever he could with everyone.
Norm loved the outdoors, hunting in his youth and into his later years squirrel, bear, raccoons, deer all feared Norm, and he proved himself an enthusiastic sportsman to them.
Norm is survived by his loving, devoted and faithful wife of 64 years, Ilene; his loving sister, Jan Andree; his daughters, Cyndi (Rob) Poth, of Hickory Corners, Michigan and Pam (Ken) Long of Milford, Indiana; grandchildren, Mandy (Travis) Tilley, Becky (Cole) Jones, Robert (Emily) Poth and Hunter (Amiah) Poth; Great-grandchildren, Aliviah, Bailey and Greyson Tilley and Raylan and Paislee Poth.
Norm was very proud of his family, grounded in his faith. He was a strong patriarch and a source of comfort as well as rock for all to lean on. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. Norm went on many mission trips over the years, sharing his faith and building skills.
A memorial service to celebrate Norm's life will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10, 2025 at gracespring Bible Church, Richland. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to gracespring Resource Center. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Richland, Michigan is handling the arrangements for the family. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.