Norman Dow Hoag, of Traverse City and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on August 7, 1931, in Morrice, Michigan, Norm was the son of Walter and Gertrude Hoag. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Yvonne, his brother Donald, and his beloved wife of 52 years, Anita (Buzek) Hoag.

Norm graduated from Morrice High School in 1949 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master’s degree, and an Educational Specialist degree from Central Michigan University.

In December 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Anita. Together they raised two daughters, Vicki (Jack) Duso and Kristi (Mike) Schreiber. Following Anita’s passing from Glioblastoma, Norm found love again and married Lois Cork in 2008, sharing 18 wonderful years together. He was blessed with a large and loving family that includes his daughters and sons-in-law, bonus daughters Lisa (Jim) Waslawski and Linda Pisani, brothers Edwin Hoag and Darwin (Cori) Hoag, grandchildren Ryan McGuire, Megan (Michael) Love, Erin (Geoffrey) Bremer, Ashleigh (Yusef) Ali, Tyler (Katina) Dunham, David (Rhiannon) Schreiber, Marcus (Erin) Schreiber, Trevor Waslawski, Tyler Waslawski, Mike (Beth) Pisani, Andrea (Terry) Johnson, Jeff (Laura) Pisani and many loving great-grandchildren and extended family members. He was predeceased by sister-in-law, Mary Jane Hoag, bonus daughter Patti White (her husband, Gary White survives him), and bonus son-in-law Ralph Pisani.

A lifelong educator, Norm taught and coached for 38 years. He and Anita spent nine years teaching overseas for the Department of Defense in Newfoundland, Midway Island, Yokosuka, Japan, and Naples, Italy. An accomplished teacher and coach, Norm received special recognition from the U.S. Navy for his contributions to education abroad.

After retirement, Norm and Anita became well known on the antique show circuit for their extensive collection of American pottery. Norm also enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, photography, and sharing his love of the outdoors with family and friends. An avid traveler, he traveled to every continent and visited more than 70 countries. He continued exploring the world with Lois, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships along the way.

Norm will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, his dedication to education, and his generosity in sharing his passions with others.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in Norm’s memory are asked to consider the Glioblastoma Foundation.

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