Norman Lloyd Koivu

Norman (Norm) Lloyd Koivu, age 81, of Lansing Michigan passed away on December 1, 2023. Born on February 28, 1942 in Detroit Michigan to William and Patricia (McGill) Koivu. Norm lived a full life filled with family and friends. He spent his early years in Detroit and L'Anse, Michigan and moved to St. Johns Michigan where he graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1960. In 1962 he fell in love with Sandra (Sandy) McAlvey from Grand Ledge and they were married on January 12, 1963 when they began their lifelong love affair until Sandy passed in June of 2012.

Norm was a hard worker, he did everything from paper boy in Detroit, working in the mint fields in St. Johns, a cook at several restaurants in the Lansing area, but he was best known as "The Coffee Man". Norm worked for Paramount Coffee Co as a delivery man in the Lansing area for 33 years. Everywhere he went, he was recognized as "The Coffee Man" and was always greeted warmly. Eventually Norm was promoted to a sales position at Paramount to expand their office coffee business. Norm was a born salesman, who could talk to anyone and could talk about coffee for hours if you let him.

Norm loved cars, a good road trip, a cold beer (he was known for saying ”just one more”), a hearty meal, cooking for his Thursday night guys, getting together with friends and family and a clean and tidy space. Norm and Sandy loved to travel and especially enjoyed hosting parties at their house. They were always warm and welcoming to everyone.

Norm volunteered for the Red Cross for 15 years, picking up and dropping off blood across the state. Over his lifetime, he donated 10 gallons of blood.

Norm is survived by his loving daughters, Angela Koivu (Harry Johnson) of Grand Rapids and Michelle Zumwalt (David) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; his 5 grandchildren, Jessica Klooster (Isaac), Jared Johnson, Celeste Johnson, Lucas Zumwalt, and Benjamin Zumwalt; one great step-grandson, Liam Klooster; his brother, William Koivu (Barb) of Snellville, Georgia and his sister, Lynne Smith (Roger) of Bradenton, Florida as well as many nieces and nephews, and many great friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sandy, and his brother, Doug Koivu.

Norm will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He had the ability to turn every occasion into a party and make everyone feel like a friend. Norm had an extraordinary warmth and he connected with people around the globe and found common ground with just about everyone.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, with visitation from 2:00 until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Cross.