Norman M. Verley

Norman was born Oct. 21, 1933, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Ralph and Mildred (Tippet) Verley. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1952 and resided in the area for most of his life.

Norman married Evelyn Steele on March 17, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan. They shared 64 years of marriage before Evelyn’s death in 2021.

Upon high school graduation, Norman started his work career in an underground mine in Iron River for a short time. From there he went to work at the Mather “B” underground mine in Negaunee. A few years later when the Groveland Mine in Felch opened, he began working there until that mine closed in 1981. He was then transferred to finish his mining career in Colerain, Minn. at the Butler Taconite Mine until his retirement in 1989 at which time he and Evelyn moved back home to Quinnesec.

Norm was in the National Guard for 10 years and was a member of Oak Crest Golf Club and the Norway Moose Lodge. In his young adult life, he loved playing baseball. In his retirement, Norman could be found sitting at his scroll saw creating a work of art. He often said the real payment for his work wasn’t the money, it was the comments people had to say about the piece. He loved seeing enjoyment and appreciation in the eyes of the people that he showed his work to.

Besides his woodworking Norman enjoyed cutting wood, a fast game of “Wahoo,” playing pool and tending to his garden. He kept a meticulous garden that was admired by anyone that drove by. And he was happy to share his bounty with anyone that would like some. In recent years, he began going to the Senior Center for lunch where he met and enjoyed new friendships.

Norm had a special love of animals. His children’s dogs brought him much joy since his love “Cole” passed away. Grandpa Norman carried treats with him at all times.

Norman is survived by three children, David (Mary Lynn) Verley of Norway, Keith Verley of Merriman and Penny Verley of Kingsford; two sisters, Della Marie (Ron) VanAlsteen of Breitung Township and Susan (Chuck) Kempf of Quinnesec, four grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Evelyn, Norman was also preceded in death by a grandson, Clint Fisher; a brother, Ralph “Putz” (Irene) Verley; and a sister, Lois (Bruce) Ring.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A luncheon will be provided during the visitation by Crispigna’s. The family hopes this to be a time to gather, socialize and celebrate Norman. A graveside service for close friends and family will be held Thursday morning at the Quinnesec Cemetery.

Family requests that flowers be omitted. Donations in Norm’s memory may be made to Pine Creek Woodworking or the Almost Home Animal Shelter.

Condolences to the family of Norman Verley may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.