Mike was born on July 29, 1954, in Hastings, Michigan, to Keith and Mary Jane (Varney) Norris. He attended Lakewood High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, and graduated in 1972.Mike dedicated 45 years of service to Hastings Manufacturing, retiring in 2019. During his time there, he played an active role in U.A.W. Local 138, holding multiple leadership positions and attending many trainings at Black Lake, where he built numerous friendships.
A lifelong Michigan State Spartan fan, Mike attended countless basketball and football games, making four memorable trips to the Final Four. He enjoyed sports, camaraderie, and sharing his love for MSU athletics with family and friends. Mike was an amateur greenskeeper who took pride in his neatly manicured lawn and there was always a fresh coat of wax on his vehicles. In the winter months he could be found in his garage, “playing with his nuts” (cracking walnuts).
In 1975, Mike married Phyllis McLaughlin, and together they had two children, Kristen and Curtis. In 1993, he married Carole Anne Norton, who preceded him in death in 2016. Mike later found love again with Jane Ann Pierce, and they were married in 2019.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Keith Norris, and his brother, Anthony "Tony" Norris.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Norris; his mother, Mary Jane Norris; his children, Kristen (Andy) Cove and Curtis (Erica) Norris; and his cherished grandchildren: Damon (Madie) Cove, David Cove, Jack (fiancée Kaylyn Beard) Cove, Erik Cove, Claire Norris, Amelia Norris, and Henry Norris. He is also survived by his “CousinBrother,” Carl Norris.
Visitation service for Mike will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Daniels Funeral Home - Hastings.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Daniels Funeral Home - Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings. Following the service, there will be a gathering and celebration of Mike’s life from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with light refreshments at the funeral home.
Guests coming to the services are encouraged to wear their MSU Spartan attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:
Youth Haven Ranch: 3796 Perrine Rd. Rives Junction, MI 49277
Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his legacy of dedication, friendship, and Spartan pride will live on. Go Green. Go White.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home - Hastings. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
