Norman B. Lehr Jr.

Norman B. Lehr, Jr., age 87, of Traverse City, passed peacefully at home after a brief illness, with his love and best friend, JoAnne at his bedside. Norm was born to the late Norman and Sylvia Lehr, in Detroit, MI. After graduation from Fraser High School, he married Nancy Jo Carlson with whom he had four children. Norm and Nancy Jo managed a beef cattle ranch in Holly, MI while he patrolled the roads as a Michigan State Trooper before moving the family north to Traverse City in 1967. At that time, Norm made a lateral transfer to the Traverse City Fire Department where he worked until retirement. In 1988 he married JoAnne (Denoyer Wamsley) and they enjoyed travel of the western United States with Maple City as their home base. Ever the horseman, Norm enjoyed owning and working many horses through the years, both saddle and team. He passed his love for animals down to all of his children, and their home and barnyard were often filled with injured, stray, and abandoned creatures from birds to goats to their dear pet donkey Suzie. Norman’s work ethic was unmatched, and he was continually reading and learning new skills and trades. Graduating from nursing school was one of the many accomplishments he achieved while working full time for his family. His coworkers from the Traverse City Fire Department remained near and dear to his heart, and we thank them for all of the love, support and assistance through the years. We would also like to thank John and Aimee Sandula and Grant McKay (niece and nephews) who tirelessly offered meals, company and transportation while Norm was in the hospital. Surviving Norm is his wife JoAnne Marie Lehr, children Charmin (Chad) McCracken, Scott (Toni) Lehr, Leana Lehr (Kevin) Schlueter and their mother Nancy Jo Carlson Lehr, stepchildren Scott (Jennifer) Wamsley, Michell (Mark) Susz: grandchildren Josh, JD (Jessica), Linda, Charlotte (Josh), Cameron (Audrey), and Lydia: step grandchildren Spencer, Zachary, Morgan and Maylin; five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Norm was predeceased by his parents Norman B. Lehr, Sr. and Sylvia Dugaler Lehr, sister Sheila Sandula, Midge Sandula daughter Charlotte Joy Lehr, and stepson Rick Allen Wamsley. Norm will be buried with military honors at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery in June of 2023. His faith was extremely important to him and he took great comfort in saying the rosary daily with JoAnne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Anthony Citro at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 North Cedar Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to Mass. The family would like to invite you to join them for a luncheon and time of fellowship immediately following the service. If you choose to make a donation in Norm’s memory, please consider the Traverse City Fire Department, 500 W. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684; to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686, or online at https://www.fatherfred.org/donate/

Norman B. Lehr Jr.

June 30, 1935 - January 24, 2023