Norman R. Ziegert

Ziegert, Norman R., October 8, 2018 age 93 of Plymouth. Beloved husband of Lorraine. Loving father of Norma (Michael) Phillips of Dearborn Heights, MI, and Nancy (David) Gladish of Newcastle, Wa. Proud grandfather of Melissa and Miranda Phillips of Dearborn Heights, MI. Predeceased by two brothers. Norman retired from Ford Motor Company as an engineer in the Dearborn Design Center. Private family services were held at the Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home-Plymouth. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Three Oaks, MI. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page. Family Obituary Norman retired from Ford Motor Company in 2003 after working there for 40 years as an Engineer from the Design Center in Dearborn Michigan. Norman was always active and full of energy until his final days. Born in Buchanan Michigan on April 18th 1925, Norman worked on the family farm, now part of Warren Dunes State Park, until he graduated from Bridgman High School in 1943. After high school, Norman joined the Army in 1943 and served in the European Theater in World War II. He dreamed of being a pilot however was not a candidate due to being color blind. Norman was so determined he even memorized the color chart in hopes he would pass the test. When this didn’t work Norman became a Surgical Technician caring for the wounded in which he was outstanding at and put these skills and knowledge to use throughout his life. After the war, Norman married Lorraine Benhart on December 28, 1946. Norman began working for the Studebaker Company in South Bend Indiana building and designing automobiles. Building, designing, and working on automobiles was a passion of Norman’s. Norman started working on cars when he was still in high school, buying and fixing up Model A’s. You never saw Norman driving a car in need of work or a wash. Norman commuted to the Studebaker Company from Three Oaks, Michigan. As Studebaker hit hard times, Norman accepted a position at Ford Motor Company in 1963 and reluctantly moved the family from Three Oaks to Dearborn. Norman worked hard, long hours at the Design Center in Dearborn and also taking long-term assignments in England and Japan. Norman did relax some, enjoying time with friends and family on Hutchinson Island Florida. On the island, Norman enjoyed long walks on the beach, visiting by the pool, golfing, and the occasional Southern Comfort Manhattan. Norman was loved by all, family and friends. Norman Ziegert will be missed by all who knew him. Norman will never be forgotten and always loved.

Norman R. Ziegert

April 18, 1925 - October 8, 2018