Norma L. Tyler

Many characteristics make up the lives of many great people, but those derived from the heart are the qualities that leave a forever imprint on the hearts of others, and Norma Tyler was just such a woman. Selfless and giving, Norma was strong of heart and very supportive of those she held dear. Just as sensitive as she was loving, her gentle yet hard working nature was clear to see. In as much as she gave, Norma was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. The decade of the 1920s forever changed the landscape of America. From prosperity to financial devastation, it was indeed a turning point in the history of our nation. Norma's story began in the year 1921 when the American way of life was growing at a rapid pace filled with many new innovations and advancements. Business and industry was bustling during a time forever remembered as the changing culture of America, the Roaring Twenties. Music and baseball went hand-in-hand to the delight of the nation, and the focus of entertainment boomed. Amidst these changing times on June 5, 1921, nestled in the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan, Peter and Marie (Schmidt) Burkall celebrated the birth of their little girl, Norma. The fifth of nine children, Norma grew up surrounded by her siblings, Marie, Thorvald, Alma, Harold, Arthur, Alvin, Audrey, and Ronald. The Burkall family made their home on Isabella Avenue, and as a family of faith, they attended Central Lutheran Church. Norma's father worked hard to support his large family. He owned and operated a gas station on the corner of Terrace and Peck Street in Muskegon while her mother looked after their bustling household. Norma attended the area schools. She enjoyed art, and took several business classes. During her junior year of high school in 1938, she met the young man who would forever hold her heart, Charles Tyler. He worked at Vanderwall Lumber, and before long the two became sweethearts. Norma went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1939 and having fallen deeply in love, they were married in May that very same year. Norma and Charles began their new life together on Petrie Road where they lived with Charles' grandmother for a time. With the onset of World War II, Norma bid farewell to Charles in 1941 when he was sent off to war. In time, Norma and Charles welcomed the love and blessing of five children into their lives with the addition of Marvin, Warren, Norman "Joe", Anette, and Charlene. Norma was made for loving and raising a family. While building a new home on Wilson Road, they made do living in the garage during its construction. As a homemaker, Norma made a good home for Charles and their children. She was very family oriented, and they brought her the greatest joy. Together they avidly enjoyed playing games which was passed down to the generations. Norma was also quite involved at her church, Napier Parkview Baptist Church, and her family could always count on one of her delicious pot roasts each Sunday after church. Quite often, friends were invited to join them at their Sunday table as Sunday's were typically a day for visiting. Many Sunday drives were also enjoyed as a family visiting friends or their own large, extended family. In 1963, Norma and Charles purchased the Sunset Bluff Resort on upper Hamlin Lake in Ludington. At the time, both Anette and Charlene lived there with them, and helped run the resort. This was a treasured time in their lives where wonderful memories were made. Charles retired in 1970, and in 1975 they sold the resort and moved to the warmer climate of Florida. They became very close to their many friends at "Bakers Acres" there. Both Norma and Charles, along with their son, Joe, were actively involved in their genealogy. They traveled all over the U.S. in their motor home researching their Tyler heritage, and took in many sights along the way. After suffering from multiple heart attacks, Norma's beloved Charles sadly died in 1989 and she returned to Muskegon to be near family. It was a difficult transition for her, but with faith as her guide, her strength and the love of family saw her through. Over the years, Norma enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and eventually, great-great grandchildren. She reveled in their large family reunions held at her son Warren's home, and she also enjoyed flying with her son, Marvin who was a pilot. Above all, Norma simply enjoyed being surrounded by those she loved. In recent years, Norma's health began to decline. She experienced much throughout her life, and witnessed many changes, but her love of family never waned. She was blessed beyond compare, and with loving and gentle ways all her own, she continued to give from the heart. Although deeply missed, the love of Norma remains in the many memories she leaves behind. Mrs. Norma L. Tyler, age 92, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2014. SURVIVORS: Sons, Marvin (Virginia) Tyler of Lowell, Warren (Barbara) Tyler of Coloma, Norman (Ilene) Tyler of Ann Arbor; daughters, Anette (John) Snyder of New Era, Charlene (Jerry) Barnard of Kent City; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; brother, Alvin Burkall of St. Joseph; sister, Audrey Neiser of Muskegon; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; sisters, Marie Jensen, Alma Haase; and brothers, Harold, Arthur, Ronald and Thorvald Burkall. SERVICE: Monday, March 10, 2014, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Greg VanderMeer officiating. Interment at Norton Cemetery. VISITATION: Sunday, March 9, 2014, 2-5 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Child Fund International or Muskegon Rescue Mission. To share a favorite memory or photo of Norma and to sign her online guestbook, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.