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Rolland Norton
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Obituary for Rolland G. Norton

Rolland G.  Norton
Rolland G. Norton, 95, of Bronson passed away on Thursday, January 07, 2016 while at his home surrounded by family.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 11, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Bronson with Rev. Whitney Brown, Rev. Benton Heisler, and Pastor Sam Gordy officiating. Interment will follow at East Gilead Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson.

Rolland was born March 17, 1920 to Clarence and S. Marie (Upp) Norton in Coldwater. After graduation from Bronson High School and Michigan State Agricultural Short Course, he served his country in the US Army Air Corps as Captain and B-17G Pilot during WW II. After completing his combat missions, Rolland was selected to be Co-Pilot on the crew of General Ira Eaker, Commander of the 15th Air Force. Upon his discharge in October of 1945, he returned home to farm. On October 23, 1948 he married Margaret “Mart” Mason at Mt. Hermon Church in Virginia.

Rolland was a very active member of the community. He served on the Branch County Fair Board, the Bronson School Board, was a founding member of Country Couples, and was the Business Manager for the Bronson Community Schools for over 10 years. He served as a Federal Land Bank board member. He participated in the Talons Out Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2014. Rolland was inducted into the Bronson High School Hall of Fame for his public service and with his wife Margaret elected into the Michigan Farmers’ Hall of Fame. Rolland was a proud farmer for most of his life, operating Kendale Farm with his sons.

Rolland was a man of strong faith. He was a member of the Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, attended Bethel-Gilead Community Church for many years, and most recently attended the First United Methodist in Bronson. He put his family first and by example taught them the importance of honesty, integrity, hard work, and good humor. He will be missed by many.

Mr. Norton is survived by his children Kenneth Norton of Bronson, Dale (Bobbi) Norton of Bronson, Jean (Dave) Norton VanDerKamp of N. Myrtle Beach, SC, and Susan (Michael) Gilbert of Lurgan, Northern Ireland; his grandchildren Josh (Erica) Norton, Seth (Rachel Wells-) Norton, Michael Norton, Chrys VanDerKamp, Daniel, Matthew and Benjamin Gilbert; his great grandchildren Tanner and Drew Norton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years Margaret; his infant son Bruce Edward; and his daughter-in-law Janie.

Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Bronson. www.dutcherfh.com

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