Norman Spring

Norman Alois Spring, age 90, peacefully passed over to meet the Good Lord on the 30th of September, 2023, in the comfort of his lakeside home in Grand Haven. He was born on October 13, 1932, to Alois Spring and Margrete Eckhardt Spring, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he spent his childhood in nearby fields honing his hunting skills.

Norm enlisted in the United States Army and volunteered to serve on the frontlines of the Korean War at age 17. He also served as a Military Police in Japan while in the service. Upon return, he earned his degree in Education and Counseling from Michigan State University, where he met his beloved wife Barbara of 65 years.

His teaching career began in Oxford, Michigan. He then moved his young family to West Michigan to serve in the Grand Haven Public Schools as a counselor and public speaking teacher, retiring at age 53. Norm spent his retirement years traveling with his wife, gathering with family and hunting and fishing with friends.

Norm was an active environmentalist and was inducted into the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame in 2014. He formed the Michigan Pesticides Council and was a key player in banning the use of DDT, first in Grand Haven, then the State of Michigan and eventually nationwide. Norm founded the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen's Association in 1967 and was instrumental in preserving Kitchel Dunes behind Dewey Hill in Grand Haven, now known as Ottawa Sands. He was also on the first board of directors of the Grand Haven YMCA.

In addition to being a life member and past commander of the VFW, Norm was a member of the Elks Lodge, where his Elk mounts hang today. He was also a member of the American Legion and Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Grand Haven. Norm will be fondly remembered for his dedication to his family, friends, community, euchre group and for his enthusiastic love of nature, conservation and passion for hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Edith Dale. Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Barbara (Reineke) Spring; children, Pam Spring (Mike Frank) and Robin Spring (Steve Damstra); grandchildren, Chaelis Mendoza, Rachel Hauck (Jared Hauck) Vanessa Spring-Frank, Austin Edelmayer, and Sierra Edelmayer; and great-grandchild, Isla Hooper.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 13th, at the First Presbyterian Church, 508 Franklin Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Friends may visit with the family starting at 10:00 am. Memorial services will immediately follow at 11:00 am and will close with military honors.

A luncheon gathering will follow from 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm at the Elks Club with hotdogs, baked beans and beer on Norm (15 South 3rd St. Grand Haven, MI 49417.) Please join us to help celebrate Norm’s life on what would have been his 91st birthday!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Norm Spring to First Presbyterian Church. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Norm’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.NeptuneSociety.com