Obituary: Norman Letsinger, 80, of Custer Township

Norm Letsinger

Obituary: Norman Letsinger, 80, of Custer Township

Rev. Norman H. Letsinger, 80, of Custer Township, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Norm was born on November 24, 1942 in Mansfield, Missouri, the son of Cecil and Rosa Letsinger. He graduated from Ava High School in Douglas County, Missouri. 

On August 7, 1965, Norm married Bonnie Layton and together they raised three children, Matthew, Jonathan and Amy. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree in divinity and a doctorate degree of theology from Southern Baptist Seminary. 

In 1976, the Letsinger family moved to Mason County, first to Riverton Township and then to Wilson Road in Custer Township where Norm and Bonnie established Windy Hills Farm, a hardwood tree nursery and organic farm. 

Norm served as an assistant pastor at Ludington United Methodist Church, youth pastor at United Methodist Church of Scottville, and 21 years as lead pastor of Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church in Sheridan Township. He served several years on the Mason County Central Schools board of education, including a term as president. He was a member of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club, and a founding member of the Mason County Woodturners. Norm never passed a tree stump he didn’t like. 

Norm also made several mission trips to Haiti where he created pedal powered wood turning lathes from old bicycles. He was a master of wood, from identifying trees to building houses, turning vases and making guitars. 

Norm was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Florence Moore and Selma Dunningan; and his brother, C.M. Letsinger. 

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie; their children, Matthew Letsinger of Georgia; Jonathan (and Julie) Letsinger of Nevada; and Amy (and Harold) Cronk of Scottville; his grandchildren, Gibson Letsinger; Jacob Letsinger, Jackson Letsinger; Evelyn Cronk and Harry Cronk; his brother, Hershell (Barbara) Letsinger of Ava, Mo.; his sister, Rosalee Denney of Springfield, Mo.; and several beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

A service celebrating Norm’s life will be held on Monday, August 14 at the Ludington United Methodist Church, 5810 W. Bryant Rd., Pere Marquette Township, beginning at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. There will also be visitation from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13 at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services, 305 E. State St., Scottville.

Memorial contributions may be made in Norm’s memory to the Ludington United Methodist Church music and youth programs. 

Burial will take place at a later date. 

Please visit Norm’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a tribute or memory of Pastor Norm with his family.