Norman Kanar

Norman J. Kanar age 90 of Monroe, MI. passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 8:15 PM in Alterra Clare Bridge Cottage where he had been for 2 years. He had been in poor health since entering Alterra. Norman was born February 23, 1917 in Detroit, MI the son of the late Frank and Viola (Olejniczak) Kanar. Norman was a 1935 graduate of St. Stanislaus Catholic High School in Detroit where he played football and was a member of the Glee Club. After high school Norman played football for the Junior Detroit Lions 1935 championship team. Norman served his country in the United States Army Air Corpse from June 18, 1942 to September 13, 1945 serving as an Intelligence Specialist. He received the following European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star and 2 bronze Battle Stars, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, 4 Overseas Service Bars and Service Stripe. He served in the following campaigns and battles: Algeria French Moroccan, Tunisian, Sicilian, Naples Foggia, Rome Arno, Air Offensive Europe, Air Combat Balkans, India, Burma, and China. On April 7, 1945 Norman married the former Sophie Fular at Our Lady Help Of Christians Catholic Church in Detroit. Norman was employed the Special Services Director for the Internal Revenue Service in Detroit for 31 years. Upon his retirement in August of 1979 Norman received the Albert Gallatin Award from the U.S. Department of Treasury for his meritorious service. Norman was a member of Our Lady Of Heaven Catholic Church in Detroit and St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church in Monroe. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1138. An avid sportsman, Norman was a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings, as well as a University of Michigan Football fan. He enjoyed traveling and fishing. Norman is survived by 4 loving children; Norman J. (Deanne) Kanar of Royal Oak, MI., Matthew (Jean) Kanar of Redford, MI, Kathleen (James) DuBay of Monroe, MI and Linda (Steven) Ruwoldt of West Lake, OH. 9 cherished grandchildren and 2 cherish great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife Norman was preceded in death by 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Visitation for Norman will be held on Thursday from 5-9 PM and Friday from 1-9 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home where a Rosary Service will be held Thursday at 8:30 PM and a Scripture Service will be held Friday at 7:00 PM conducted by Sister Dorothy Krupp. A Funeral Mass celebrating Norman’s life will be held Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 10:00 at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church. Fr. Donald A. Sopiak of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church will officiate. A procession to St. Joseph Cemetery will follow where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct a military service. Private interment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, MI.