Norman Schuiling

As his family and friends can certainly attest, Norman Schuiling truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength and support for those around him, even in the most difficult of times. Norm was well known for his strong faith and values, and he was never afraid to work hard in order to provide for those he loved. A loving husband and father, he was so proud to watch his family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones he adored. Deeply loved, Norm will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

Although the 1930s were some of the most trying days we faced as a nation due to the Great Depression, there was much to celebrate in the lives of Martin J. and Myrtle E. (Winchester) Schuiling as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Norman Wesley on October 21, 1932, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Growing up, Norm was a typical young man of his generation. He was raised in the family home just outside of Fairview. Norm was the youngest of three and grew up alongside his older siblings, Martin and Eva. Though the children might have fought at times, they were always able to be there for each other when it truly mattered. The Schuiling family was active members at Fairview Reformed Church, leading Norm to discover the importance of faith at a young age.

Throughout his childhood, Norm attended local schools in pursuit of his education. He went to Fairview Elementary School, where he participated in several different activities and particularly enjoyed playing various sports. Norm then attended Creston High School. He played basketball and was selected to be on the all city team. After graduating from Creston in 1950, Norm went on to attend Hope College, where he continued to play basketball for two additional years.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Norm as he began to date the woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Terry Zeeff, and the two were lifelong acquaintances who had grown up in their church together. She was a few years younger than Norm she was still in high school at the time. While attending Hope College, Norm returned home for Christmas. He found he needed to go back to Holland to pick up some gifts and asked Terry to go with him. Sparks flew, and it didn’t take the two long to realize that they were made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Norm and Terry were married in the presence of family and friends on June 24, 1954, just after his graduation from college. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon to Blaney Park in the Upper Peninsula. However, because the bridge was not yet built, they needed to take a ferry to get across the straits! After returning home, Norm and Terry settled into an apartment for a short time, before buying land on the edge of Greenridge Country Club. He built the family’s next home himself with help from his brother and cousin. Norm took very good care of the home and the land, and he enjoyed spending time working in the yard and keeping an immaculate lawn.

All who knew Norm can agree that he treasured his family above all else. Throughout their years together, he and Terry were overjoyed to welcome their four beloved children into their hearts and home. Norm took his role as a father very seriously, and he did his best to help raise Kurt, Tammy, Kristi, and Todd into hardworking and unique individuals. He taught them to be proud of themselves and confident in who they were. Later in life, Norm was overjoyed to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Following his college graduation, Norm first taught at Union High School for a year before settling into a longtime position as a math teacher at Wyoming Park High School. There, he was better known as Mr. Schu. He was a beloved teacher and would continue to run into former students for years to come. Norm also coached basketball at Wyoming Park and became the longtime golf coach. He also loved being a referee at football games for thirty years. Norm was known to work very hard to provide for his loved ones, and he often worked various side jobs during scheduled breaks. He served his community as a representative for his school with both the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association.

Never one to sit still for long, Norm pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He and Terry were both active members in their longtime church home. She played the organ in services, and he served as an elder and a deacon and also sang in the choir. Norm centered his life around his faith and led his family in prayer and Scripture each night at the dinner table. Norm also made sure that his children had a Christian education. He enjoyed running, even completing the Old Kent River Bank Run several times. He continued to sing and performed in the Messiah at Calvin alongside his son, and he also broadcast Hope basketball with Todd for a couple of years. For one week each summer, the Schuiling family took a road trip to whatever destination in the United States they had chosen for that year, creating many priceless memories. Norm and Terry spent time in Florida each winter to escape the Michigan cold. Saturday mornings were always reserved for the family. They would meet up for breakfast, then have the opportunity to go back to the house for a card game. Norm was an avid sports fan and loved the Detroit Lions and Tigers. He took his sons to a few Tigers games, but they would always leave before the end of the game in order to avoid traffic. Above all else, Norm enjoyed being with those he loved. Time spent with his family and friends was time well spent indeed.

When reflecting on the life of Norman Schuiling, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love of his family. Though he was naturally a quieter man, his actions spoke volumes about his beliefs and priorities. Norm was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others whenever he could in ways both great and small. He was a fantastic role model and a wonderful teacher who was able to make a positive impact on many in his community. Though he will be deeply missed, Norm leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Norman Wesley Schuiling

Went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 18, 2022. Norm taught mathematics and coached basketball and golf at Wyoming Park High School where he was better known as Mr. Schu. Norm is survived by his wife, Terry; their children Kurt & Sandi Schuiling, Tammy & Mike McCarthy, Kristi & Jack VandenBroek, Todd & Barbara Schuiling; grandchildren (and great grandchildren) Aaron & Shawna Schuiling (Chase, Ryker), Emily & Doug Sluiter (Avery, Morgan, Henry), Andy & Emily Schuiling, Katherine & Phil Church (Weston), Stephanie McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Josh & Erin VandenBroek (Blake), Callee & Levi Knoll, Amanda & Tim Nagi, Sarah & Henry Kimberlin (Wesley), Matthew Schuiling and fiance Alayna; sister-in-law Jean & Jim VanDusen; as well as nieces and nephews. Norm was preceded in death by his brother Martin Schuiling and his sister, Eva Ludwick. Norman was a member of Central Reformed Church where his funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 22 at 11 AM. Friends are invited to visit with his family at the church beginning at 9:30 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Words of Hope or Hope College Student Scholarship Fund are appreciated. To read more about Norm, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com