Norman Arnold Fromm or Pa, as everyone called him, left this world before daybreak on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, while cuddled in his daughter’s arms at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Pa was born on March 31, 1932 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Herbert and Alma Fromm. The family moved to Canada in 1947 and Pa graduated from Hillcrest High School, an experience which provoked wonderful memories for him. Pa married Fannell Wilson in Rhinelander, WI in 1963, and then, the joy of his life was born, Lynnita Jo Jean Fromm (JoJo).
His love of Canada prompted him to bring his family back to Canada in 1967. His working years were spent in the bush. He loved listening to the radio and one was never far from his ear. He listened to all kinds of music and especially enjoyed classical music. He filled out crossword puzzles at an amazing speed. Pa loved strawberries, peaches, sunsets, full moons, fall leaves and his family.
Pa was always ready to provide company and transportation for his granddaughter, Nakita. “Poppy” as she called him, will be dearly missed and always dearly loved. He loved dates with his grandchild and savoured the time spent with the second delight of his life.
Pa was always ready to help a neighbour, friend, or just some one who needed help. He often went food shopping for a friend or stranger who he had heard had no food in the house. For years he helped his family support 25 grandmas who had accumulated 69 Aids orphans in Kenya. His mechanical knowledge was shared with anyone who asked for help. To his wife’s chagrin at times, he was always able to fix almost anything that happened to break or quit working.
Norman is survived by his wife, Fannell; his daughter Lynnita Jo Guillet (Ken Pennanen) and his granddaughters Nakita Guillet, Erin Pennanen, and Kelsey Pennanen. As well, he is being sorrowfully missed by his friend, Winnie, our dog who keeps looking for him. Sisters-in-law Marge and Alice as well as nieces and nephews survive him: Galen, Jeremy, Betsy, Robert, Eric and Karen.
In death, he is welcomed by his Mother Alma (Schoenherr) and his father Herbert, as well as brothers William and Herbert Junior.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Reed and Dr. Smith for their devotion in caring for Norm’s health problems over the many years.
Funeral services for the late Mr. Norman Fromm will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 2 p.m. in Epiphany Lutheran Church with Pastor David Haberstock officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Peter Panetta’s Underground Gym or the Epiphany Church Fund. The Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma in care of arrangements.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
