Norius Crisan

Norius Crisan, a devoted servant of God and a proud American veteran, passed peacefully into his eternal heavenly home on October 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 103.

Born on February 13, 1921, in Masury, Ohio, Norius and his twin sister Leontine were the children of Romanian immigrants Theodore and Mary Popa Crisan. He grew up in a tight-knit family of seven siblings, learning the value of hard work, family, and faith from an early age.

Norius was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Jean Haney Crisan; his parents, Theodore and Mary; his siblings, Thomas, Nicholas, Theodore, Lawrence, Virgil, and Leontine Crisan Salanti.

He leaves behind his loving daughters, Sharon Crisan Humphries (Jim), Debra Crisan, and Michelle Crisan Draguesku; his cherished grandchildren, Jessica Humphries-Matos (Daniel), Steven Humphries, Paige Brennan (Nicholas), and Blake Draguesku; and his great-grandchildren, Yasmin, Uriel, Zion, Amora, and his namesake, Norius. His family, who were the light of his life, will forever treasure his gentle spirit and the countless memories they shared.

A graduate of Brookfield High School in 1939, Norius excelled in academics and athletics, playing football and golf. He later pursued studies at Furman University and earned credentials from numerous military training programs.

At just 18 years old, Norius enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces, bravely serving during World War II with the Eighth Air Force, 44th Bomb Group, 68th Bomb Squadron. On May 14, 1943, his B-24 Liberator, the Rugged Buggy, was shot down during a mission over Kiel, Germany. Ejecting by parachute, Norius felt God’s comforting presence, a moment of divine assurance that carried him through unimaginable trials.

Captured by German forces, Norius endured two years as a prisoner of war, including time at the notorious Stalag 17B. Despite the grim conditions and harrowing 281-mile forced march near the war’s end, his unshakable faith and longing for his family sustained him. Liberated by General Patton’s forces in 1945, Norius returned home, weighing less than 100 pounds but with his spirit intact.

In 1947, he married the love of his life, Jean, beginning a joyous 55-year partnership filled with love, family and adventure. Rejoining the United States Air Force in 1950, Norius served with distinction during the Korean War, Cold War, and Vietnam War, flying numerous aircraft. After retiring in 1966, he transitioned to a civil service career at Naval Base Coronado.

Retirement brought more adventures for Norius and Jean, who traveled extensively and created lasting memories. Following Jean’s passing in 2002, Norius remained steadfast in his faith and devoted to his family.

In his later years, Norius moved to Ada, Michigan, where he enjoyed a rich life with his daughter Sharon and son-in-law Jim. He relished family vacations, holidays, and simple pleasures like fishing, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, and solving word puzzles. Remarkably active well into his nineties, Norius maintained his health with regular workouts and embraced modern technology, exchanging daily texts with his daughters.

Norius will be remembered for his unwavering faith, sweet smile, gentle spirit, and generosity. He brought light and kindness to all who knew him, leaving an enduring legacy of love and faithfulness.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Norius has been joyfully reunited with his wife Jean and the family who preceded him. As he always said, recalling that fateful day in 1943, “God’s hand assured me I would be alright.”

A private family celebration of Norius’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Keystone Community Church in Ada, Michigan, whose outreach programs Norius supported with enthusiasm and faith.