Norman Clifford Geiger

Norman Clifford Geiger, age 81, of Grand Marias, died late Saturday morning, October 29, 2022 under the loving care of his family and North Woods Hospice at his home.  He was born on January 7, 1941 in Elsie, Michigan to Clifford and Wilma (Woodard) Geiger.  Norm grew up in Elsie and graduated from Elsie High School in 1959.  During his senior year, he was elected homecoming king and stood out on the baseball field.  Norman was being watched by the Detroit Tigers and was going to be one of their prospects.  He had friends that were volunteering to serve in Vietnam, so Norman made the choice to enter the U.S. Navy instead of playing baseball.  He served from July 8, 1959 until July 5, 1963.  Norm was an electrician on the U.S.S. Hermitage.  He returned home and went to work at General Motors in Flint.  While working, he also served on the ambulance crew in Elsie.  Norman retired as a Master Electrician in 1997.  It didn’t take long after retirement for Norm to leave the lower mitten and make his permanent home in Grand Marais.  He was lovingly referred to as “Stormin’ Norman” in Grand Marais since 1997.  He continued his first responder role by serving on the Burt Township Fire Department for years.  Norm also served as the Burt Township Trail Boss and Groomer for many years.  He married Mikki (Ward) Purple on August 21, 2010 and they enjoyed everything they did together no matter how big or small.  The love they had for one another was immeasurable.  Norm loved the outdoors whether hunting, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, taking rides in the woods, or cruising on his Harley Davidson.  He was proud of winning the Soo I-500 and was meticulous in all he did from wood carving, whittling, or caring for his vehicles.

Norm is survived by his wife – Mikki Geiger of Grand Marais; daughters – Jodi (Brian) Merritt of Lake George, MI and Traci (Mike) Love of Owosso, MI; stepchildren – Scott Purple of Breckenridge, MI, Nathan Purple of Reed City, MI, and Cassaundra Purple of Grand Marais; siblings – Patricia (Bob) Coleman of Elsie, Joan Fulger of Lansing, Martha (Terry) Raatz of Owosso, and Ted Geiger of Grand Marais; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Christopher Purple, brother Glen Geiger, and brother-in-law Ron Fulgor.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.