Norbert Diersen

Norbert G. “Norb” Diersen, 94 of Harbor Springs, passed away on February 23, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.  

Norb was born on October 22, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of John and Anne (Estergall) Diersen.  He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland with the Class of 1941.  In 1942, he was employed by the Ordnance Department of the US Navy at the Washington DC Navy Yard, where he inspected all types of naval guns for defects.  In March of the following year, Norb entered the US Army and proudly served his country as Bomb Disposal Technician in Europe during WWII where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge.  Norb received his honorable discharge in January of 1946 at the rank of Sergeant and returned home, where he attended John Carroll University and later owned and operated carwashes in Cleveland, OH.

On July 19, 1947, Norb married the love of his life, the former Elizabeth “Betty” Burrows and the two made their home in Cleveland. In 1972 they moved to Harbor Springs, or “God’s Country” as Norb always referred to it. Norb and Betty owned and operated the Harbor Boutique for 34 years.  In addition, he owned Yummies Ice Cream Shop in Harbor Springs with his daughter, Diane, for the last 20 years.

Norb loved dogs, especially his granddog, Hobo.  He was an avid tennis player and loved to bike and travel around the country with his family.  Norb enjoyed watching Harbor Springs High sports and was a member of the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce. He was a devoted parishioner of Holy Childhood of Jesus and served as an Eucharistic Minister as well as a Reader.

He is survived by four children: Karen (Scott) Kennedy of Shreveport, LA, Diane (Jim Lasley) Gillian of Harbor Springs, Debbie (Terry) Adkins of Naples, FL, and Denise (Ted) Blosser of Naples, FL, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Norb was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Betty, of 58 years and their son, Dale Diersen.

A memorial mass was held on Saturday, February 24th at the Holy Childhood Catholic Church.

Those wishing to honor Norb’s memory may make a donation to Holy Childhood of Jesus, EWTN, or a charity of their choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Stone funeral Home of Petoskey.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norbert Diersen, please visit our floral store.