Obituary of Norman Stininger

Norman James Stininger was born in Monroe, Michigan on November 19, 1926. He was one of seven children born from the union of the late Earl and the late Luella (Barkway) Stininger. Norman attended Monroe Schools graduating with the Class of 1944. He married the love of his life the former, Geraldine Lester on November 25, 1950 at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. From this marriage would come the birth of three children. Norman supported his family with employment at Ford Motor Company for more than thirty-one years. He worked as a Plater Operator retiring in 1981. Norman loved the great outdoors. He was quite proud of his Northern Michigan cabin. He often used his "Up North" retreat as a base for hunting and fishing. Camping, snowmobiling, and riding his Honda motorcycle were other favorite pastimes. Norman's love for his vegetable garden was also well-known. During the growing season he seemed to live in the garden planting and cultivating to perfection. Norman served his community honorably for more than forty years as a volunteer firefighter for Frenchtown Township. He earned the respect of many rising through the ranks to eventually lead as a Battalion Chief. Norman was level-headed and easy-going. He always had a smile to share and he loved to spend time with his grandchildren. Norman J. Stininger, age 89 of Monroe, passed away at 8:20am, on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at ProMedica Monroe Skilled Care and Rehab Center. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his beloved wife: Geraldine; a son: Gary Stininger; two sisters: Mary Davis, and Thelma Bodine; and a brother: Earl Stininger. To cherish his memory, Norman leaves one daughter: Sharon (Ken) Whitaker; one son: Edward Stininger; a daughter-in-law: Laura Stininger; two brothers: Melvin and Calvin Stininger; one sister: Phyllis (Myron) Currier; and four grandchildren: Dennis Whitaker, Kaylene Whitaker, Jennifer Stininger, and Nicole Stininger. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am on Monday, December 14, 2015 at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, 14260 South Dixie Highway with Reverend Roy Southerland pastor of the church officiating. Private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial Donations are suggested to the Frenchtown Fire Department in Norman's name. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.