Norman William Oppat

Norman William Oppat

Affectionately known as: Dad, Papa Norm, Normie-Pooh, Grandpa

Date of Birth: October 28, 1938

Place of Birth: Detroit, MI

Date of Passing: February 14, 2025  

Norm’s passing was preceded by his parents, William (1962) and Esther Oppat (nee Mielke, 1989), along with his brother, Gerald (2020).

Norm was blessed to have lived and died on his terms. He lived on his own, cared for himself and drove, being fully self-sufficient right until he self-admitted to the hospital. After numerous challenges over the past 30 years, his tired body could take no more. Especially since the passing of his brother, Jerry, just over four years ago, Norm was never quite the same. The brotherly love and commitment they had to one another was a special bond they fulfilled to the fullest. 

Norm leaves behind his seven children: William F. (Debra) Oppat, Robert J. Oppat, Cheryl A. (Timothy) Jagoda, Thomas P. Oppat, James C. (Amy) Oppat, Shanna C. (Scott) Jones, Kristie R. (Kevin) Newman; grandchildren: Leonore, Heather, Kailey, Meghan, Shawn, Collin, Theodore, Raymond, Nora, Brett, Derek and Alec; as well as numerous other extended family members and loved ones. 

Norm graduated from Fordson High School in 1957 and married Mary Belyan on August 20, 1960. They resided in Utica, MI until building their home in Warren, MI in 1962 and raising their 7 children.

Norm was employed by New York Central Railroad, which later became Con-Rail, and retired after 20 years of dedicated service as a Train Master. Norm claimed, “he was the only person that could put a train car back on the railroad tracks with a 2 x 4”.

He then proceeded to work for Ford Motor Company, first in Sterling Heights before moving to Utica and then completing his career in Redford. He had a short-term stint during the late 70’s recession where he worked for a trucking company in sales and moving freight before returning to Ford to finish out his career. Norm was a hard-working man with an extreme attention to detail, leadership and organization. He was well-loved and respected. He took much pride in building relationships and was sure to go out of his way to make others realize their importance. When the initials “N.W.O.” were written on a shipping manifest, rest assured it was a stamp of perfection. He fully retired from his work responsibilities in 1999 to enjoy the next 25 years of retirement living.

Norm had a zest for life and took every opportunity to visit with friends, family and even strangers. He was always ready to share a beer and bend an ear whenever given the chance. He loved to travel via the family motor home and spent many years enjoying his property in Lexington during the summer and heading to Florida for the winter months. He was the neighborhood handy man and took pride in helping others. He was also proud of the many charitable causes he supported. Norm instilled this same love for life and pride for who you are in his children.

Memories of Norm would not be complete without remembering:

Endless motor home tripsProjects around the houseWorking on cars togetherShooting the breeze with a cold beerCamp DearbornApple pickingFrankenmuthHolidays with Town Club pop, party trays and three types of potato salad 

Norm’s proudest accomplishments include:

His 7 kids and their successesHis work ethic and career accomplishmentsHis worldly knowledgeHis ability to fix anythingThe challenge of hustling anyone he could just for the fun of it

Norm had many hobbies and favorite past times including:

TravelRelaxingCooking on the grillDrinking beers with loved onesHelping othersPutzing aroundAmateur investing

Visitation will be Saturday, 01 March 2025 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm with a service following. Funeral service will be at the Wysocki & Wilk Funeral Home, 29440 Ryan Road, Warren, MI 48092.  

Please share a memory with his family here on Norman's obituary page guestbook. 

The family asks in lieu of flowers, please make a pledge to the Dementia Society of America or a personal charity of your own choosing.