APRIL 28 • 2022 | 59

We believe that every Jew has a portion in the world to come.
Trust us to prepare your loved one for that journey.

Dr. Norman J. Rotter 
it is with great sadness that we announce the 
passing of Dr. Norman J. Rotter of Bingham Farms 
on April 18, 2022 one week after his 85th birthday. 
Born in Detroit and resided most of his life in the 
suburban area. He attended Bagley, Post and 
Mumford high school and graduated from the 
University of Michigan where he was affiliated with 
the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. Upon graduation Norm 
attended Wayne State University school of medicine 
and at graduation inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha 
honors society. He completed his training in the 
field of neurosurgery at Henry Ford Hospital. Upon completion Norm served as a 
captain in the armed forces serving at Valley Forge Hospital in Pennsylvania and 
William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso Texas. Norm found his true love at a boy/girl 
party when he was 15. From then on he and his wife Harriet were always together 
and they celebrated 63 beautiful years of marriage. Because he was an only child 
he adored her busy household of four children and was over all the time. He was 
always a loved and adored member of our family. Norm and Harriet went to each 
other’s Mumford senior proms, of course Norm was Harriet’s date at her sweet 
sixteen and at the ripe old ages of 18 and 21 they married. There is no greater love 
story than the two of them shared. They were each others best friend, confidant 
and cheerleaders helping each other reach successful careers. Norm eventually 
became chief of neurosurgery at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn and after 40 years 
he partially retired and returned to Henry Ford Hospital as a senior staff. He was 
always well respected and known for his kind and caring bedside manor and the 
respectful way he treated the staff. We are touched by the many letters, texts 
and calls we are receiving thanking Norm for saving their lives. Most of all Norm 
adored his family, his son Steven also became a doctor, Michael a financial advisor 

and David, a web designer. As boys he was always taking them to their hockey 
games, he was a hands on dad, never missed a practice or a game. He saw all 
three sons grow into fine men with families of their own. Norm had a strong 
Jewish identity and gave himself a sixtieth birthday gift by became a Bar Mitzvah 
with the help of Rabbi Daniel Syme. In addition he was a temple board member. 
Once asked to give the Shabbat sermon Norm explained how science and religion 
are intertwined. He said during surgeries miracles happened that could only be 
explained by the presence of g-d. Norm had no bucket list! They were world 
travelers. He was content and enjoyed many interests and hobbies. An avid reader, 
modern art collector, gardner as everyone in Huntington Woods marveled at his 
spring red geranium plants, a car afficianado, and of course golf. His graduating 
gift from medical school was a set of clubs and so began years of golf games 
and the distinction of a hole in one. He golfed for many years at FHCC eventually 
becoming president. In addition Norm was an avid bridge player and was active 
in the Bridge Connection. Norman is survived by his devoted wife Harriet, son 
Steven (Lisa) grandsons Jacob (Michelle), Maxwell (fiancé Hannah) son Michael 
(Tara) grandson Jack and son Dave (Holly) and grandsons Daniel and Mitchell. In 
addition he leaves his sister in law Judy Komer (Richard) brother in law Dr. Jeffrey 
(Meredith Weston-Band) Band and his nieces and nephews as well as many close 
devoted friends. They will all remember him as a handsome, impeccably dressed 
who personified dignity, grace and compassion. Norman is preceded in death by 
his parents Roy and Sylvia Rotter, his in laws Herman and Dorothy Band and sister 
in law Bunny Band all a blessed memory. Interment was at Clover Hill . 

A life well lived.

To donate online at https://link.Edgepilot.Com/s/962f7444/_
hg8ycxsfe_5l57dufhzza?U=https://giving.Wayne.Edu/donate/Rotter 
or by calling 313-577-2263 or a charity of your choice. 
This charity is very special to them as there are three generations 
of the Rotter family graduated from the medical school. 
 
Arrangement made by Ira Kaufman Chapel. 
Rabbi Daniel Syme • Cantor Neil Michaels

Contributions can be made to the Rotter family endowed scholarship 
at Wayne State University school of medicine.