Norman Eilers

1933 - 2024

Norman E. Eilers, 91, of 8117 SW 81 St. Loop, Ocala, Fla., and Bradford, passed away Tuesday (May 7, 2024) at E.W. & Lucille Cates House in Ocala.
Born Jan. 11, 1933, in Sterling, Neb., he was a son of the late Edward G. and Lora (Happel) Eilers.
Norm grew up in Sterling, where he attended Sterling High School and played on the football team, lettering all 4 years. Upon graduation in 1951, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy for two years. After his enlistment he returned to Nebraska and married Joyce Marie (Garrigan) Eilers on April 2, 1955, in Lincoln. He met Joyce while serving in the Navy. Joyce passed away Feb. 22, 1973.
He later earned a degree from Erie Business Center.
On July 26, 1974, in the St. Bernard Church, he married Donna M. (Roslinski) Eilers, who survives.
Norm worked for Witco for 31 years, retiring as assistant industrial sales manager.
Norm was a member of Bradford Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). He enjoyed singing as a member of the Bradford Barbershop Singers and was a charter member of Seneca Highland Theater. He served as a Second Ward Cub Scout Master, was a member of the Bradford Area Golf Association at Pine Acres Golf Course and a member of the National Ski Patrol for 23 years, four as patrol leader at Wing Hollow Ski Resort in Allegany, N.Y.
Norm loved skiing and was also an avid sailor and motorcyclist. He enjoyed spending many relaxing hours on his Hunter sailboat and his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.
He was a member of St. Bernard Church, and he also attended the Queen of Peace Church in Ocala.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Donna, of 49 years, are one son, James (Carla) Eilers of Lebanon, Ill.; one daughter, Kate (Eilers) Thomas of Ocala; one grandson, Dustin (Jess) Eilers of Corinth, Texas; and one sister, Ruth E. Nealy of Greeley, Colo..
In addition to his parents and his first wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Jon W. Eilers, who passed away April 2, 2024.
Family will receive friends 11 a.m. to noon Saturday (May 18, 2024) at St. Francis Church, where a Mass of Christian burial will immediately follow with the Rev. John Jacquel, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA, PO Box 313, Bradford PA, 16701, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com.