Norrene L. Carlson

Norrene Louise Carlson went to dance with the Lord on December 9, 2016. Norrene is preceded in death by her parents, Eric and Hilma (Carlson) Anderson, and infant son. She is the beloved wife to Richard Carlson, for 55 years, and devoted mother to her heart, her son, Jeff (Benicia) Carlson. She is also the wonderful grandmother to Jordyn, Elwood Jack, Sophia, Julia, Jaelynn, and Maeve, who will miss time drawing pictures, doing puzzles, and playing games with her.

Norrene grew up in Hart, Michigan, where she always enjoyed performing in Summer Stock, dancing, and gymnastics. In 1956, in her senior year of Hart High School she met Richard Carlson. Norrene also became the Oceana County Representative for Miss Michigan contest, that same year. Norrene went to Northwestern University, for one year, but transferred to Central Michigan University to be with her honey, Richard. She was also Tau Kappa Epsilon’s beauty queen! After graduation, on August 23, 1960, Dick and Norrene married. Soon after, they moved to the Grand Rapids area, and Norrene began her 40 year career as a Speech Pathologist, predominately with the Grand Rapids School District.

Dick and Norrene enjoyed their 55 year love story of deep devotion and teamwork. They relied on each other for companionship, choosing to seldomly be apart, enjoying a day at the bookstore as much as celebrating at their favorite restaurant.

Norrene’s love of family, reading and her Swedish heritage grew into an adventure in discovery with genealogy. She enjoyed endless hours researching family history, and compiling books that could be handed down to future generations.  Norrene also loved animals, the most special being her rescued cat, Star, and her golden retriever, Brandon, who she has missed and was looking forward to seeing again.

Visitation will be Tuesday at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 2-4 & 6-8pm.  The funeral service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday December 14, 2016 at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Paws with a Cause, 4646 S. Division Ave., Wayland, MI 49348.  

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