Norman Wiliam Petzold, Jr., of Millington, MI, beloved husband, father and grandfather, known for his love of beekeeping and the sweet honey he harvested each fall, died Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro, MI. He was 79 years old.

Norm was born on November 23, 1946, and was the oldest child of Norman Edward Petzold and Anita Laura Hilda (Keinath) Petzold. On May 13, 1972, Norman married Vera Ann Koeppen, and the two were married for more than 53 years. They had two children, William (Bill) and Carl and became members of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville when their children entered school there.

Norman attended school at St. Paul Lutheran School in Millington where he was baptized and confirmed, and his faith was an important part of his life. He was a graduate of Millington High School, Class of 1964, and also earned his Associates Degree in Applied Engineering from Delta College. He served with the Michigan National Guard during the 1960s, and he was employed for 34 years at Saginaw Steering Gear.

Norm was passionate about beekeeping, spending hours reading numerous books and magazines about the subject, building equipment, frames and boxes and traveling to “check the bees” at the various yards where they were located, often near farms where they would pollinate the crops. Every fall he would convert the family garage into a honey extracting factory, and would yield barrels full of pure honey, which he would sell in bulk or bottle and sell to friends and neighbors. He was a longtime member of the Saginaw Valley Beekeepers Association. He also enjoyed watching auto racing, sports and religious TV programs like Worship Anew, doing crossword puzzles, farming and spending time with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vera, his children Bill (Melissa) Petzold and Carl (Amber) Petzold and his grandchildren Joshua, Lydia, Rachel, Martha and Naomi Petzold. He is survived by his siblings Bernadine (Linda) Petzold, Ruth (Ernie) Zwack, Carol (Steve) Smith and Marlene (Alex) Herrera. He will be missed by many cousins, friends and acquaintances. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Anita Petzold, and his aunts and uncles with whom he was close.

Funeral services for Norm will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Richville; visitation at church will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until the time of service. Luncheon to follow the service.

Norm’s family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Covenant Hospital and the staff of Tuscola County Medical Care Community for their excellent care, patience and compassion. 

Memorials in his honor can be made to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville.

Kindly share a memory with Norm's family in the guestbook below.

Norm and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. Address: 4823 Main St, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

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