Obituary of Norman "Mike" Connell

Kind, loving, witty, and generous are all words many used to describe Norman “Mike” Keith Connell, age 95, who passed away peacefully on September 14, 2020, at his home in Niles, Michigan while surrounded by his loving family. He will be greatly missed by family and friends who were influenced by his life. Mike was born August 22, 1925, in South Bend, Indiana to Charles R. Connell and Mary P. Ward, and later moved to Niles. He attended Riley High School in South Bend, and growing up enjoyed traveling, classic cars, and going to church. On December 28, 1947, he married the love of his life, Paula R. Martin, and they had two daughters, Sherry A. English and Debra K. Swaim. Mike always knew he wanted daughters, and would frequently say he had the best three girls in the world, referring to his wife and daughters. Mike spent most of his adult life a simple man who loved his family, his boots, his Cadillacs, and his tapioca pudding; however, he especially enjoyed waking up at 5 a.m. to make french toast for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that would stay the night. Friends will fondly remember Mike as the man who would suit up in a snowsuit, take his snowblower down the street, and clear off the driveways of all those who couldn’t so they could easily leave during the day. He’d then leave a loaf of freshly baked bread at each of their doors, so they would have something to eat that was made with love. Mike was very proud of his family and their accomplishments. He was a hard worker and worked for numerous companies including Studebaker until retiring from Tony Jansen and Sons. He will best be remembered for his jolly “hello!” whenever anyone walked in the door. Mike is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Robert “Ward” Connell, Raymond “Bud” Connell, Kenny Connell, Sidney Connell, George Connell, Jean Brenneman, and Joan Harris. He is survived by wife, Paula Martin; daughters, Sherry (Brian) English of South Bend, and Debra (Gary) Swaim of Buchanan; sister, Gwen Blair of South Carolina; brother-in-law, Jim (Eleanor) Martin; grandchildren, Melissa Frucci-Glaser of South Bend, and Joseph Swaim of Buchanan; and great-grandchildren, Nathan Glaser, Hannah Glaser, Caleb Glaser, and Jonah Glaser of South Bend, and Wyatt Swaim and Landon Swaim of Buchanan; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Caring Circle of Lakeland, especially Ashley and Brittney who took such great care of Mike. Also to granddaughter, Melissa, who tirelessly employed 25 years of nursing skills and immense love/compassion for her grandpa to grant Mike’s final wish of never leaving home in his final days. She always promised she would take care of those who took care of her. By his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service will take place at Brown Funeral Home on Friday, October 30th at 2:00 p.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 or Caring Circle, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.