Obituary of Norman John Joseph

Norman Joseph, 81, died peacefully on February 1, 2023. His funeral service will be held at 10am on February 17, 2023 in Whitley Funeral Home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with a full honors military burial to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 2:00pm in Augusta, Michigan.

Born December 11, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Norman Joseph was the firstborn of John and Pauline Joseph who came to America from the Middle East. Norman attended Catholic school, graduated St. Martin's High School in Detroit, played the guitar and keyboard in a band called the “Blue Stars” for a time, and was then drafted into the United States military for service in Vietnam. He served his country with distinction, nicknamed “Arab” by his fellow soldiers. Norman completed his service and was honorably discharged, decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Air Medal, Combat Infantrymans Badge, Purple Heart, Expert Badge (.45 Cal Pistol), and a Marksman Badge (Rifle M-14). When he returned from Vietnam, Norman completed a degree at RETS Electronic School, and worked as a TV Repairman at Laing's TV in Kalamazoo, Michigan until retirement.

Norman was known for his kindness and sense of humor. He lost his Wife of fifty years, Barbara, in 2009 and expressed his love and appreciation of her until his death. He never remarried. Honest, loyal, and dignified, Norman was simply the epitome of quiet strength. He was truly blessed, and his life reflected it. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his Son, Steve, and Daughter, Katherine.