Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Norman Berkowitz Obituary
Lansing - Norman Berkowitz, 99, of Lansing MI, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2020 of natural causes.
He was born in Detroit, MI son of the late Abraham and Anna Berkowitz. He had a wonderful marriage with the late Nancy Berkowitz (Otis) of Lansing. He grew up with two loving brothers, the late Dr. Meyer (Eve) Berk and the late Julius (Molly)Berkowitz. Norman is survived by his nieces Harriet (Bob) Schwartz and Shelly (Michael) Eizelman and nephews Charles (Debra) Berk, Richard (Marilyn) Berk and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his close friends Marvin and Nancy Goldstein.
Norman graduated from Wayne State University and went on to a long career in local and state government in Michigan. He made extraordinary contributions to the Michigan Public Service Commission, the Michigan Department of Education and most especially to the Michigan Department of State where he served as Chief Deputy to Secretary of State Richard Austin.
He was known in his family as a favorite uncle always having a wonderful sense of humor, and a sincere caring for his family. His generosity was in juxtaposition to his valued image of being 'cheap' not unlike Jack Benny. Norman still wore shoes he purchased at Nordstrom's in 1946. They were in fine shape. He often kidded about returning them one day for a refund. In fact, Norman kidded about almost everything all the time, and always kept the family entertained with his own brand of humor.
He loved to relax at a delicatessen and enjoy food and conversation. He once argued with a friend about the number of layers of a seven-layer cake on display at a bakery. He argued it was six and his friend argued it was seven. The owner of the bakery invited him to leave and not return.
Norman loved the theater and made an annual trip to New York City well into his 90s to attend several plays. Norman was also a huge fan of the Detroit Pistons rarely missing a game
Norman's accomplishments, idiosyncrasies, circle of friends and legacy are far too extensive to provide in this brief commentary on his life. Therefore, a celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined at which family and friends will be able to share memories of this remarkable man.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society or the A.C.L.U.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Berkowitz
5 Entries
Amy Schupska
December 7, 2020
Norman was a comical and wise man. I helped him with his cat, Sydney’s, grooming. He took great pleasure in trying to teach me Yiddish, shared stories about his beloved Great Danes and Nancy. So glad he got so many years out of his roof warranty. He always told me he needed to get his money worth from it. Marvin- if you read this, please reach out to me.
Andrew Shah
August 13, 2020
Mr. Berkowitz was a friend as well as employer of mine when I mowed his yard for several years in my early 20s. I will miss his wisdom and advice. So sad I never got to talk with him these last few years.
Debbie Berk
August 13, 2020
Norman spent most of his winters in Southern California. we were lucky enough to have him stay with us ( Chuck and Debbie Berk his nephew ) for a couple weeks out of the winter trip at our home.
We loved all the stories he shared with us and our kids ( over and over again) but each time had a different twist
My most favorite thing and example Norman showed us was his positive attitude and able to adjust to most any situation
Norman lived his life his way .
We miss him and are so grateful we had this time with him
Debbie Berk
Lisa Daily
August 11, 2020
As one of Norman care givers is was great listening to his stories of the early days with his wife. A few times he even tried to teach me Yiddish loved hearing him pronouncing the words. He will be missed RIP . So glad I got to know Norman.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Norman Berkowitz's name
Memorial Events
for Norman Berkowitz
How to support Norman's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Norman Berkowitz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
