Kenneth Norcross

Kenneth L. Norcross, 67, of St. Johns, Michigan, left our worldly life peacefully at his home on March 28, 2014. Ken was diagnosed with primary brain cancer in June 2013. The cancer had stabilized; however, he never regained his strength following illnesses this winter.

Ken was born at home, on November 27, 1946, near Kalkaska, Michigan. He was the son of Elwood and Inez (Borden) Norcross. Ken loved growing up in Traverse City and frequented Bryant Park to swim in the Grand Traverse Bay as a kid and an adult. A 1966 graduate of Traverse City High School, Ken was immediately drafted into the U.S. Navy and trained in the medical laboratory field. Ken served stateside from 1966 to 1972, mainly at the Chelsea U. S. Naval Hospital, during the Vietnam conflict. From 1972 to 1978, Ken worked as a medical laboratory technician at Sheridan Community Hospital, meeting Karen Grace at a cast party for the Sidney Barn Theater in September 1976. Ken and Karen married in May 1977.

In June 1978, with $2, 000 in the bank, Ken and Karen surprised their families and friends by quitting their jobs and moving to Central Michigan University. Ken used his G.I. Bill benefits, working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Ken graduated in 1981 and the couple moved to St. Johns. Ken worked in many rural hospitals during his 40 year career as a medical laboratory technologist and was a proud member of the MSSAMT.

Their children are Nicholas (Michelle), Katherine (Sarah Murphy), Genevieve (Nolan Dole) and Grace (Jonathan Gere) and one grandson, Landon Norcross. All of his children had a special place in Ken's heart and Landon made him smile just by walking in the door. Ken's nephew, Jaime Norcross, and his family have become members of our immediate family.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Flora Ostrander, Carol Norcross, Eleanor Gammon, Marilyn Molmen and Janet Wilson. Ken's siblings still living are Carl Norcross of Owosso; Phyllis Landsberg of Bates City, MO; Diana Hickman of Traverse City; Susan Cranson of Grawn and Beverly Tuller of Rapid City.

Ken was an attendee of the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) breakfasts. He enjoyed attending CMU football and baseball games and Ithaca High School Football State Final games. His passion was collecting old rural Michigan postcards and oak furniture. Each of his children owns an oak rocker from his collection. Ken proudly participated in many Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walks and took sailing lessons after he was 60 years old. During the last three years, Ken and Karen took trips to Alaska, the Western Caribbean, and a 13 day Route 66 trip to the Grand Canyon last April. Above all, Ken enjoyed Harry Chapin music and trying to play golf with his best friend, Dan Findlay.

Ken is buried near Karen's parents in the Maryknoll Cemetery in Carson City. Contributions in Ken's memory may be made to Clinton Transit, c/o New Freedom Caravan, 304 N. Brush Street, St. Johns MI 48879, which made it possible for Ken to reach physician appointments during his illness or the Paine-Gilliam-Scott Museum, 106 S. Maple Street, St. Johns MI 48879, where Ken volunteered his time working in their postcard collection.

The Norcross Family was served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel. Online condolence can be sent to smithfamilyfunerahomes.com

Read Kenneth Norcross's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.