Norma J. Wessels

Norma Wessels peacefully finished her earthly journey and joined her Heavenly Father March 23, 2023 at the age of 98. She resided in Hope Memory Care of Sunset Manor in Jenison, Michigan. Norma was born March 2, 1925 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She grew up during the Great Depression and attended Grand Rapids Christian High School, later earning a nursing degree from the University of Michigan. Norma also trained in the Cadet Nurse Corps program.

“All I ever wanted was a family of my own." Norma married John Wessels in 1946 and started that family a year later. She devoted herself to her husband of 75 years and to her five children. With unwavering determination, Norma provided for her children in a modest home on Birchwood in Wyoming, Michigan. Norma joined John in volunteer projects, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services and the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Often Norma would be heard downstairs at the piano singing hymns. She performed with the Metropolitan Choir of Praise and sang countless duets with John. Music was a joy to her right up to the end of her life. Norma will be remembered for her faith, wonderful sense of humor, fierce determination, and her brilliant mind.

Norma is survived by four children Susan Lukaart (husband, Steve Eckert), Gloria Roon (husband, Robert Roon), Thomas Wessels (wife, Janet) and Robert Wessels (wife, Patty); 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Wessels; parents Robert and Winifred Westenberg; brother, Robert Westenberg; and oldest son, Edward Wessels.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 12-12:45 p.m. prior to service. In honor of Norma and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.