Norbert Schrauben

Norbert J. Schrauben was a hardworking and faithful husband, an attentive and affectionate father and grandfather, and an outgoing community servant. His stories were amusing, his smile infectious, and his presence sheer delight. In word and deed, Norbert was a true family man and genuine friend.

Norbert was born in Riley Township, Michigan on June 16, 1920, the son of Christopher Schrauben and Bernita (Pung) Schrauben-Cook. He was the first child in a family of ten. His predissesors had emigrated from Germany. While his mother was busy at home, Norb’s father supported his large family as a car salesman. He often brought used cars home with him, and in an attempt to be helpful, Norb and his brother once shined a car for their dad. However, the “shining” product they used was oil! Needless to say their father wasn't pleased, but such an effort was an early indication of Norb’s eagerness to work hard.

When Norb was in his teens, his father bought a restaurant in Ionia, and Norb helped to make it successful. He also delivered papers and worked in several hardware stores, becoming versed in a range of jobs. When he tried to follow his brother into the Navy, Norb was denied because of flat feet. So, he took those feet across the street to the US Coast Guard and was accepted in an instant. After basic training, Norb was stationed on the "front lines" of Mackinac Island, a lovely resort area between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. He always said that he fought in the "Battle of the Straits."

Life on the island was made all the more pleasant by the lovely Florence Kiskey. Not long after moving to Mackinac, Norb and Florence were married in Belding, Michigan on December 6, 1944. She set up housekeeping in a very small, rustic apartment on Mackinac, but what could be better for the newlyweds than living on a honeymooners’ island.

After the war, Norb was ready to leave his life of travel for a time and settle into the community life in Greenville and then in Belding. He briefly went to work for the Michigan Hardware Association and then became co-owner and manager of Rayborn True Value Hardware. Norb spent long hours at the store—between 60 and 70 hours a week—but he loved it and gave it his best for the next 27 years.

As much as he worked, Norbert always had time for his family. His daughters, Susan and Beth, were born five years apart, and he affectionately called them his, "Five and Dime Girls." Affection came easily to Norb: he snuggled his girls and gave them the best back rubs, he walked hand in hand with wife and dared to cry at movies. That was the uniqueness of the man who would do anything for his family.

Norbert was also a great friend. In fact, any stranger Norb met instantly became a friend.

People naturally gravitated to his kind spirit and positive outlook on life. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He took justifiable pride in remembering people’s names, giving them a true sense of his desire to know them.

Norbert’s energy for life spilled over into his recreation. He was an avid bicyclist and, over his lifetime, he rode tens of thousands of miles across Ireland, France and many famous roadways in the United States. Then there were the family trips to Lake Michigan on summer weekends that could rival any destination in the world.

Being the social person that he was, Norbert found community in many places. He was a member of both St. Joseph Catholic Church in Belding and St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, a member of the Belding Chamber of Commerce and a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. During his time at Clinton Commons Retirement Apartments in St. Johns, he greeted newcomers with a "Happy Pill," that is, a bite-sized Three Musketeers candy bar with his calling card that was signed, "Norb – of course." As a matter of fact, he signed everything with "Norb – of course."

Norb, of course, received the same affection that he generously gave. Upon hearing of Norb's passing on June 24, 2009, the Activities Director at Clinton Commons summarized his years with them in these few, but meaningful, words:

"Norb was the heart and soul of Clinton Commons. He had charisma, character and a sense of humor that wouldn't quit! He always had a smile on his face and sunshine in his heart. He had a broad smile and a kind word for everyone he met. He made a profound impact on many-a fellow human being during his lifetime. He gave hope to the despairing and brought joy to those who were burdened with sadness and suffering."

A young relative wrote this tribute:

A Poem for Norb, by Dana L. Swears

A cascade of delight poured from him

a wonder as bright as any child's

A friend met well,

as they all were,

the sun given to each unstintingly

Each new day brought wonders,

each more beautiful than the last.

His being burst up to heaven,

laughing in God's embrace,

His smile remains in the beauty of each bright new day,

Norbert J. Schrauben, age 89 of St. Johns, is survived by two daughters, Susan Christopher of Warner Robins, GA, and Beth (Bill) Swears of St. Johns; sisters, Mary Ann Hoy of Kalamazoo, Bea Gray of Grand Ledge, Theresa (Pat) Lawless of Harbor Springs, Joanne (Dick) Hofmann of Kawkawlin and Bernita (Gayle) Miller of Grand Ledge, grandchildren, Jeffrey (Deb) Swears, Dana Swears, Clay Christopher, Travis Christopher and Meghan (Kirk) Cornelius, great grandchildren, Jordan, Greg and Katie Swears and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his wife, Florence, in 1982, the year of his retirement; his parents, Christopher Schrauben and Bernita (Pung) Schrauben-Cook; and four brothers, Maurice, Alvin, Paul and David.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, with Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., on Friday with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to Sparrow Hospice of Lansing or St. Joseph Catholic School in St. Johns. To participate in Norbert’s life and memories please see www.lifestorynet.com/memories/49339 .