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Norman W. Duman

ISHPEMING, MI- Norman W. Duman, age 81, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

Norman was born July 30, 1944, in Cheboygan, MI to Harold and Della (Eytcheson) Duman. From a young age he learned the value of hard workäfirst as a farmhand, and by his teenage years in local factories. He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, a period of his life he carried with quiet pride.

Following his service, Norm worked as a foreman for a forest station program, planting trees throughout the southern states. His career led him many places: hauling and delivering truck caps nationwide, working as a satellite dish technician in both Marquette and Arkansas, and later applying his skill as an accomplished pilot in Michigan and California. While in California, he contributed his technical expertise to firefighting efforts by working on drop-door mechanisms for C-13 aircraft.

In the Upper Peninsula, Norm worked on blacktop crews and drove doubles in the Eastern U.P. He also drove for Carlson Loy Trucking of Ishpeming. With his electrical background, he was a familiar and appreciated volunteer at the Hiawatha Music Festival for many years.

Norm lived a life filled with curiosity, craftsmanship, and community. He enjoyed operating ham radios, assisting with the Ore to Shore races, and helping with radio-tracking monitors for Alzheimer’s patients. A lover of bluegrass, he played mandolin and found joy in music. He also treasured time spent with “the crew,” sharing coffee, tea, and conversation.

Norm is survived by his brothers Ed (Shirley) Duman of Eckerman, MI; LeRoy Duman of Cleveland, TN; Jim (Lynette) Duman of Reading, PA; and Mel (Faye) Duman of Mountain Home, AR; his sister Ann (Jack) Coelho of Gentry, AR; and sister-in-law Rita Duman of Topinabee, MI. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will remember him with love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Della Duman, and his brothers John, Al, and Ron Duman.

Services for Norm will be held at a later date in Eckerman, MI.

Norm’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where online condolences may be shared.