Norman E. Eilers, 91, of 8117 SW 81St. Loop, Ocala, FL, and Bradford, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at E.W. & Lucille Cates House in Ocala FL.
Born on January 11, 1933, in Sterling, NE, he was a son of the late Edward G. and Lora (Happel) Eilers.
Norm grew up in Sterling, NE where he attended Sterling High School and played on the football team, lettering all 4 years. Upon graduation in 1951, he enlisted and served in the United States Navy for two years. After his enlistment he returned to Nebraska and married Joyce Marie (Garrigan) Eilers, on April 2, 1955, in Lincoln NE, he met Joyce while serving in the Navy. Joyce passed away on February 22, 1973. He later earned a degree from Erie Commercial College.
On July 26, 1974, in the St. Bernard Church, he married Donna M. (Roslinski) Eilers, who survives.
Norm worked for Witco for 31 Years, retiring as the Assistant Industrial Sales Manager.
Norm was a member of the Bradford Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). He enjoyed singing as a member of the Bradford Barbershop Singers and was a charter member of the Seneca Highland Theater. He served as a Second Ward Cub Scout Master, was a member of the Bradford Area Golf Association at Pine Acres Golf Course and a member of the National Ski Patrol for 23 years of which he served four years as the Patrol Leader at Wing Hollow Ski Resort in Allegany, NY.
Norm loved skiing and was an avid sailor and motorcyclist. He enjoyed spending many relaxing hours on his Hunter Sailboat and his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.
He was a member of St. Bernard Church, and he also attended the Queen of Peace Church in Ocala, FL.
Surviving in addition to his wife Donna, of 49 years, is one son, James (Carla) Eilers, of Lebanon IL, one daughter, Kate (Eilers) Thomas, of Ocala, FL, one grandson, Dustin (Jess) Eilers, of Corinth, TX, and one sister, Ruth E. Nealy, of Greeley, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Jon W. Eilers, who passed away April 2, 2024.
Family will receive friends on Saturday May 18, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in St. Francis Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA, PO Box 313, Bradford PA, 16701, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com