Thursday, December 23, 2021
Mike was a classmate of mine all through school at West Liberty. We were often in the same classroom, and we definitely interacted a lot on the golf course as we both began playing at about age 8. His became an excellent golfer and is remembered for his success on the golf course. But I want to relay a story that has stuck with me 55+ years.
Mike and I were in 8th grade math together and the teacher was Mr, Kotouc. He was a fine teacher and really great guy. Mr. Kotouc asked a math question and several hands shot up. He called on Donna, but Mike blurted out the answer. Mr. Kotouc addressed Mike somewhat harshly by saying " I didn't know your name was Donna!" Mike immediately replied "I WOULDN'T TALK CARROLL!! We were all in shock. Mike had just made the most outlandish trash talking I'd ever heard before trash talking was a thing. I don't remember if Mike was sent to Principal Cornick's office. I was too busy laughing my guts out! I still laugh out loud every time I think of this!
I relay this story, not to comment on anyone's name, but to demonstrate there was a very quick wit to this normally quiet, classmate. I heard this quick wit play out every so often. Hopefully you can all get a little enjoyment thinking of this story.
This is the Mike Nortman I remember. Rest in peace Mike! My condolences to the Nortman family.
Al Hellenthal
