Norm Toohey

As family and friends will certainly agree, Norman Toohey made the very most of every moment he was given. He gave freely of his time and energy, pouring into his community and touching the lives of so many for the better. Devoted to those he loved above all else, Norm’s greatest treasure was undoubtedly his family. His sharp sense of humor and sarcastic wit sparked life and laughter, and he was a powerful role model of kindness and selfless service for everyone who looked up to him. Dearly loved and already so deeply missed, Norm will be forever remembered.

The early 1960s are remembered as some of the most exciting years to be living in the United States of America. The booming world of pop culture saw the surging popularity of iconic musical artists such as the Beatles and the Beach Boys. The young JFK was elected president in the very beginning of the decade, and the historical civil rights movement was underway. It was during this influential time that James “Jim” and Jutta “Judy” (Smettan) Toohey were living on the Travis Air Force Base in California as they excitedly awaited the birth of their second child. On March 21 of 1961, they welcomed their son, Normal Karl, into their arms. Norm joined his older sister, Rita, in the Toohey family, and he would soon become an older sibling himself to a younger brother, Mike.

Due to his father’s service in the United States Army, Norm grew up living with his family in several different areas of the world, including Panama, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy. They were also stationed at various bases across the U.S. The family moved every couple of years, so as a boy, Norm learned to make friends easily. He was also quite close with his siblings, and he and his brother, Mike, got into their share of mischief. The Toohey kids enjoyed downhill skiing during the winters and swimming in warmer weather. When his father retired, Norm settled down with his family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He spent two years as a student at Forest Hills Northern High School, where he played defensive back on the football team.

Even as a young man, Norm was outgoing and charismatic, skills that would serve him well in his blossoming career as a salesman. While in high school, he began working for Gordon Food Service, and he would never have to look anywhere else for a job. Norm stepped into a full-time career with Gordon Foods. He worked as a salesman for many years, providing service for equipment used in the food service industry. Norm was a natural salesman. He could talk to anyone and everyone, and he was truly dedicated to his job, working on-call hours so he could take any repair, no matter the hour. Norm was especially known for his skills with electrical and plumbing issues. He was honored to drive a Gordon vehicle for many years. Norm’s hard work over his 39 years with the company did not go unnoticed, and he eventually earned the title of Chemical and Beverage Specialist. Many of his days ended with a drink at Duke’s Bar, surrounded by good friends.

Of all the things that Norm loved in life, there was nothing that brought him greater joy than his family. He was overjoyed to become a father to his daughter, Katie, who quickly became the center of his world. Norm looked forward to spending his weekends with Katie, and he always had something fun planned for the two of them to do. They enjoyed going to concerts, and they also went to many races at the Berlin Raceway and a memorable trip to the Indy 500. Norm and Katie spent many weekends with family as well, often at Uncle Mike’s house where Katie could enjoy time with her cousins.

After moving around so much throughout his childhood, Norm was happy to put down roots on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. An exciting chapter in his life opened when he met Teresa Lafata, the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. The two talked off and on for a few years, but eventually, their relationship deepened into something truly special and they began dating. Norm and Teresa were united in marriage on July 26, 2008. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon golfing up North.

Over the years, Norm and Teresa brought a few dogs into their home. He loved having a faithful companion by his side. Norm and Teresa enjoyed a lot of golf in their early years together. They took a couple of trips to Florida. But mostly, just enjoyed the quiet, quality time together around the house. They were a wonderful team, supporting each other and helping one another. They worked on house projects, each using their strengths. Though they cooked together, he really liked her cooking, especially spaghetti and meatballs. Often in the evenings, they sat in the yard around a fire, talking, enjoying each others company and watching the dogs play in the yard. Their life together was simple, but it was a happy life and she knew how much he cared for her.

In his later years, Norm was thrilled to become a grandfather to one precious granddaughter, Quinn. Always a social and outgoing person, he was the kind of man to make new friends everywhere he went, but he loved reconnecting with old buddies as well. To Norm, time spent with family was time well spent.

In his free time, there were many hobbies that filled his life with happiness. For a few years, Norm was a coach for Rocket Football in Sparta. He loved riding his Honda V45 Magna motorcycle as a young man, and he was always eager to volunteer his handy skills when it came to fixing a car. Norm was a lifelong fan of all sports, and many Sunday afternoons were spent watching a game. He loved golf and bowling. Norm went hunting each fall, enjoying the social time with loved ones more than anything. He had the radio cranked on the road throughout his time on the road as a salesman and serviceman, and though his favorites were the classics on WLAV, his brother and sister eventually turned him into a listener of country music as well. Norm had an insatiable sweet tooth. He needed his ice cream every day.

As we gather to reflect on the life of Norman Toohey, it is easy to celebrate a man so filled with unwavering determination and unconditional love. He was a steadfast source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and his loved ones were his greatest pride and joy. A dedicated brother, husband, father, and grandfather, Norm led his family with integrity and wisdom. His generous heart pushed him to serve others in ways big and small. Although he is already so greatly missed, Norm’s legacy lives on in the stories we share and the compassion we show to others as we follow in his footsteps.

Norm Karl Toohey, age 65 of Grand Rapids, passed away on June 11, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Lafata; daughter: Katie (Dominic) Doyle; granddaughter, Quinn; mother, Judy Toohey; brother, Mike (Deb) Toohey, brother-in-law, Bob Karamol; as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his dad, James Toohey; and his sister, Rita Karamol.

Friends are invited to visit with his family and share stories and memories on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 1-3 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. A formal time of sharing memories will begin at 3 PM. A Memorial Celebration will continue at 4:30 PM at Eastern Avenue Hall, 506 Eastern Ave NE.

To read more about Norm, to share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.