Norman David Kissling

Norman David Kissling, age 62, of Laingsburg, MI, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024. He was beloved by his family and friends, and every one of their lives has been shaped and changed forever by his booming laugh, his strong faith, and his selfless love for everyone he met.

Norm was born on August 16, 1961, in Toledo, Ohio, to Carl and Margaret Kissling. He completed his high school education at DeVilbiss High School in Toledo and went on to graduate from Great Lakes Christian College with a bachelor’s degree in religious education. Norm married Janet Kay Leininger on June 18, 1983, and she preceded him in death on July 31, 2020.

Norm loved to try new things, and he was never afraid to find 'innovative' ways to tackle the challenges life brought his way. He served as a youth pastor, home church leader, licensed builder – even dabbling in architectural drafting – and automotive painter. He also invested his time and talents into many building projects, and, with a little encouragement from Janet, he used his abilities to bless many with unique handmade gifts. Janet always had faith that he could recreate whatever she found in the toy and gardening catalogs. He found true joy in planning a project and then finding the best way to get the job done.

Beyond the jobs he held and the ministries he served in, he was a husband and father who spent his days pouring the love of Jesus into his nine children and anyone else who crossed his path. Norm also loved to spend time with his grandkids, especially fishing with the older ones and telling stories and singing while holding the little ones. He never met a new baby who wasn’t a “keeper.”

Most importantly, Norm continually sought to follow Jesus with his whole heart and store up treasure in heaven. He constantly talked about his Savior and he walked out his personal relationship with his Father (God was his Dad). He wanted everyone he met to repent, turn from their sin, ask Jesus for salvation, and learn to love God. He never forgot that he was a humble sinner, saved by the precious blood of Jesus. God called him home in His perfect timing. While his family was not ready to lose him on this earth, Norm was ready to go home. Each of us should search our hearts and consider if we are following Jesus as our Savior. We all need to ask the question "When God calls and I pass from this earth, will I have a home with Jesus?"

Norm is survived by his nine children: Micah (Andrea) Kissling, Josiah (Erin) Kissling, Nathan (Hannah) Kissling, Sarah (Dan) Lee, Hannah (Jack) Baker, Miriam Kissling, Joel (Gloria) Kissling, Seth Kissling, and Caleb Kissling; 22 grandchildren (with one more on the way), Gilbert, Megan, Britton, Lindsey, Selena, Zoe, Chloé, Joshua, Emma, Heidi, Cora, Will, Annie, Elizabeth, Kirsten, Abigail, Lena, Braeden, Maggie, Drew, Easton, and Naomi; four siblings, Sandy (Tim) Kenczewicz, Jim (Lorna) Kissling, Paul (Cathy) Kissling, and Janice (Jay) Ashcraft; and many loved nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Norm was preceded in death by both his parents.

Services will be held Thursday, July 25th, 2024 at the Great Lakes Christian College Doty Center in Lansing, MI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm. A Celebration of Life meal will take place after the funeral from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The burial service will be at Fisher Hill Cemetery, 211 S Ray Quincy Rd, Quincy, MI at 5:30 PM. Those who attend the funeral service and wish to attend the burial service will need to leave the Doty Center around 3:00 PM in order to arrive at the grave before 5:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Grove Bible Church in St. Johns, MI with a note explaining the gift is for the “Norman Kissling Memorial.” These funds will be used to support ministry work in India, a cause that was important to both Norm and his family.