Obituary of Norma Jean Arnold

Norma J. Arnold 89, of Niles passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020 at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Niles, Michigan to the late Raymond and Martha (Blake) Morris on June 12, 1931 and was also raised by her step-mother, Phyllis Morris. On August 23, of 1986 she wed Donald Arnold at a ceremony in Niles; they enjoyed many years of marriage until Don’s passing in 2018. Shortly after graduating Niles High School, class of 49, she took a job as a phone switchboard operator at the Bell Building. Norma and Don ran Don’s Bar in Union Pier and wintered in Florida for many years where their circle of friends grew. She loved to get dressed up and attend dinner parties, get togethers and lunch dates with her girlfriends. Norma was a member of the Niles chapter of the Red Hat Society, attended monthly Rummy Q games, a lifetime member of the Niles Elks Lodge #1322 as well as Wesley United Methodist Church, now New Journey United Methodist Church. Christmas always seemed like such a magical time of the year for Norma especially since shopping, one of her favorite hobbies was involved. She took great pride in caring both for her friends and family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. When visits occurred Norma’s eyes twinkled and her face lit up. Norma had a large extended family including many nieces and nephews she enjoyed visiting with. She is preceded in passing by her husband of thirty-one years, Donald Arnold, her parents, son Richard Katterheinrich, and her step-daughter Gayle Arnold, her siblings; Richard Morris, Mary Graham, June Standiford, Marie Wentland, Lee Morris, George Morris, and Ray Morris. Norma is survived by her children, Robert Katterheinrich of Edwardsburg, Randy Katterheinrich, also of Edwardsburg, Debbie (Tim) Bartak of Niles, and Greg Arnold also of Niles. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, April (Troy) Meek, Rebecca (Jon) Medlin, Michelle (Steve) Hubbard, great-grandchildren; Brendon, Kylie, (Andrew), Ava, Brayden, Bree, Braxton, Cory, (Erika), Michael, (Alex), and Nathan, her great-great-granddaughter, Adilynn and her siblings; Lena (Dale) Young and Margie (Gene) Sherwood, both of Niles. In recent months she was given exceptional care by her granddaughter, Michelle and her family whom she loved being surrounded by. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Norma have been asked to consider New Journey United Methodist Church (formerly known as Wesley United Methodist Church), 302 Cedar Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation, Niles.