Michael E. Norkus, age 75, born in Marion Indiana on Euclid Avenue on the kitchen table. He passed away Tuesday, morning February 9th at 11:18 a.m. in his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on September 17, 1940 to the late Stanley Norkus, Sr. and Mary (Davis) Norkus. He married Bobbie Ruley on December 10, 1966 and she survives.
Michael was the co-owner of Norkus Carpet with his brothers. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and was in the 3rd Infantry Army. He attended Redondo Beach High School and graduated from St. Paul High School. He then attended Ball State University where he studied art and history.
Michael was a member of the Krodder Social Club and was very interested in fishing, art and jazz. He loved to travel and had traveled to Europe extensively while in the Army and later in 1994 with his wife and children. He also traveled across the country many times. Michael was a proud Lithuanian and unofficially the crowned Prince of Lithuania by his cousin David Barisas. He traveled to Chicago over the past 30 years to listen to jazz and visit the Chicago Art Exhibit with his brothers, son and friends. Other annual trips included salmon fishing in Michigan and the Indianapolis 500.
He was a member and officer of the Marion Kennel Club for the past 30 years and a member of the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bobbie “Bubba” Norkus; a son, Vince (Amy) Norkus; a daughter, Neta M. Norkus; grandchildren, David, Katherine, Hailey, Alexandra, Michael Holden and Audrey; in-laws, Gaile Norkus, David Ruley, Becky and Danny Walls, Joe and Judy Ruley; nephews, Spike, Isaac, and Joey; nieces, Olivia, Tennille, Rachael, Jorden; cousins, Tommy Norkus, Jackie Fleming and John Gadeikis; many cousins and other relatives around the country as well as many close friends who are considered family; including his unofficial sons, Scott Vielee, Tommy John, David Bott, Jeff Beaman, Michael John and many others.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers, Stanley F. Norkus, Jr., and Patrick Kevin Norkus; father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Mary Ruley; and aunt and uncle, Florence and Phillip Middleton.
Funeral Mass Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016 in St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana with Father Richard Weisenberger officiating.
Burial will follow funeral mass services in Estates of Serenity, Marion, Indiana with Military Honors.
Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2016 in Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com
“Sveikas”