Norman Leslie Abramson, 77, of Gwinn, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, July 29, 2020 at UP Health System Marquette.
Norman was born April 4, 1943 in Ishpeming to Leslie F. and Vivian J. (Leiviska) Abramson and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1962. Following high school, he joined Carpenters Local Union 1510, and began his career as a Millwright and Welder. He also was enlisted in the Michigan National Guard from 1965-1971 as a Machinist and later as a Maintenance Foreman.
Norman was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was raised on a farm and loved animals. He was the proud owner of five border collies throughout his lifetime, which were his constant companions. Norman also had a fondness for classic cars and antique tractors and could always be found tinkering in the garage with his brother Arnold “Butch”. He had a great sense of humor, a big smile and laugh, always with “a story” or joke to tell. Norman had a particular love of polka music and his accordion. He learned to play the accordion as a child, without any formal training. He learned everything by ear. Norman instilled the love of music in his daughter and granddaughters from an early age, by playing the accordion to soothe the babies to sleep. In fact, the first song his oldest granddaughter learned to sing was, “Let’s Have a Party Polka”, accompanied by Norman on his accordion. He cared for his late wife Diana, and took her to polka fests across the Midwest. This brought her great joy throughout her battle with dementia. Despite his own fight with pancreatic cancer for the past eleven years, he continued to play the accordion to bring joy to others, at senior centers and nursing homes around the Upper Peninsula, and at Finn Fest. As the old polka song goes…”In Heaven there is no beer…” but no doubt, there now is a polka party, with Norman dancing with Diana, the love of his life.
Surviving are his daughter, Leanne (Jeff) Weeks of Houghton; two beloved granddaughters, Aila and Sofia Weeks; his brother, Arnold Abramson of Negaunee Township; sister, Crystal (John) Reynolds of Marquette; very special friends, Bill and Gary Korby, Gary Aderman and Lionel Lauren and their families, who are much more like family than friends; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Diana (Ontto) Abramson in 2012; and a brother, Gordon Abramson in 1965.
Honoring Norman’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Norman was born April 4, 1943 in Ishpeming to Leslie F. and Vivian J. (Leiviska) Abramson and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1962. Following high school, he joined Carpenters Local Union 1510, and began his career as a Millwright and Welder. He also was enlisted in the Michigan National Guard from 1965-1971 as a Machinist and later as a Maintenance Foreman.
Norman was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was raised on a farm and loved animals. He was the proud owner of five border collies throughout his lifetime, which were his constant companions. Norman also had a fondness for classic cars and antique tractors and could always be found tinkering in the garage with his brother Arnold “Butch”. He had a great sense of humor, a big smile and laugh, always with “a story” or joke to tell. Norman had a particular love of polka music and his accordion. He learned to play the accordion as a child, without any formal training. He learned everything by ear. Norman instilled the love of music in his daughter and granddaughters from an early age, by playing the accordion to soothe the babies to sleep. In fact, the first song his oldest granddaughter learned to sing was, “Let’s Have a Party Polka”, accompanied by Norman on his accordion. He cared for his late wife Diana, and took her to polka fests across the Midwest. This brought her great joy throughout her battle with dementia. Despite his own fight with pancreatic cancer for the past eleven years, he continued to play the accordion to bring joy to others, at senior centers and nursing homes around the Upper Peninsula, and at Finn Fest. As the old polka song goes…”In Heaven there is no beer…” but no doubt, there now is a polka party, with Norman dancing with Diana, the love of his life.
Surviving are his daughter, Leanne (Jeff) Weeks of Houghton; two beloved granddaughters, Aila and Sofia Weeks; his brother, Arnold Abramson of Negaunee Township; sister, Crystal (John) Reynolds of Marquette; very special friends, Bill and Gary Korby, Gary Aderman and Lionel Lauren and their families, who are much more like family than friends; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Diana (Ontto) Abramson in 2012; and a brother, Gordon Abramson in 1965.
Honoring Norman’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Norman Leslie Abramson, 77, of Gwinn, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, July 29, 2020 at UP Health System Marquette.
Norman was born April 4, 1943 in Ishpeming to Leslie F. and Vivian J. (Leiviska) Abramson and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1962. Following high school, he joined Carpenters Local Union 1510, and began his career as a Millwright and Welder. He also was enlisted in the Michigan National Guard from 1965-1971 as a Machinist and later as a Maintenance Foreman.
Norman was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was raised on a farm and loved animals. He was the proud owner of five border collies throughout his lifetime, which were his constant companions. Norman also had a fondness for classic cars and antique tractors and could always be found tinkering in the garage with his brother Arnold “Butch”. He had a great sense of humor, a big smile and laugh, always with “a story” or joke to tell. Norman had a particular love of polka music and his accordion. He learned to play the accordion as a child, without any formal training. He learned everything by ear. Norman instilled the love of music in his daughter and granddaughters from an early age, by playing the accordion to soothe the babies to sleep. In fact, the first song his oldest granddaughter learned to sing was, “Let’s Have a Party Polka”, accompanied by Norman on his accordion. He cared for his late wife Diana, and took her to polka fests across the Midwest. This brought her great joy throughout her battle with dementia. Despite his own fight with pancreatic cancer for the past eleven years, he continued to play the accordion to bring joy to others, at senior centers and nursing homes around the Upper Peninsula, and at Finn Fest. As the old polka song goes…”In Heaven there is no beer…” but no doubt, there now is a polka party, with Norman dancing with Diana, the love of his life.
Surviving are his daughter, Leanne (Jeff) Weeks of Houghton; two beloved granddaughters, Aila and Sofia Weeks; his brother, Arnold Abramson of Negaunee Township; sister, Crystal (John) Reynolds of Marquette; very special friends, Bill and Gary Korby, Gary Aderman and Lionel Lauren and their families, who are much more like family than friends; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Diana (Ontto) Abramson in 2012; and a brother, Gordon Abramson in 1965.
Honoring Norman’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Norman was born April 4, 1943 in Ishpeming to Leslie F. and Vivian J. (Leiviska) Abramson and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1962. Following high school, he joined Carpenters Local Union 1510, and began his career as a Millwright and Welder. He also was enlisted in the Michigan National Guard from 1965-1971 as a Machinist and later as a Maintenance Foreman.
Norman was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was raised on a farm and loved animals. He was the proud owner of five border collies throughout his lifetime, which were his constant companions. Norman also had a fondness for classic cars and antique tractors and could always be found tinkering in the garage with his brother Arnold “Butch”. He had a great sense of humor, a big smile and laugh, always with “a story” or joke to tell. Norman had a particular love of polka music and his accordion. He learned to play the accordion as a child, without any formal training. He learned everything by ear. Norman instilled the love of music in his daughter and granddaughters from an early age, by playing the accordion to soothe the babies to sleep. In fact, the first song his oldest granddaughter learned to sing was, “Let’s Have a Party Polka”, accompanied by Norman on his accordion. He cared for his late wife Diana, and took her to polka fests across the Midwest. This brought her great joy throughout her battle with dementia. Despite his own fight with pancreatic cancer for the past eleven years, he continued to play the accordion to bring joy to others, at senior centers and nursing homes around the Upper Peninsula, and at Finn Fest. As the old polka song goes…”In Heaven there is no beer…” but no doubt, there now is a polka party, with Norman dancing with Diana, the love of his life.
Surviving are his daughter, Leanne (Jeff) Weeks of Houghton; two beloved granddaughters, Aila and Sofia Weeks; his brother, Arnold Abramson of Negaunee Township; sister, Crystal (John) Reynolds of Marquette; very special friends, Bill and Gary Korby, Gary Aderman and Lionel Lauren and their families, who are much more like family than friends; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Diana (Ontto) Abramson in 2012; and a brother, Gordon Abramson in 1965.
Honoring Norman’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.
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