OCALA, FL (352today.com)  – Norman Kenneth Schutt was born in Saginaw, Mich, and grew up during the Great Depression, without a lot of money, understanding the challenges that come with adversity.

Monday, March 16, 2026, was an opportunity to celebrate Schutt’s 100th birthday, and thank him for his dedicated service to the nation. A birthday celebration with family, friends, community leaders and representative from veterans’ organizations were present at The Windsor of Ocala, where Schutt now resides, to pay tribute to a man whose selflessness and commitment helped transform the way we live.

Transforming decision

As he was about to graduate high school, Schutt had a couple of friends who had joined the Merchant Marines, and came back and told him, if you want to see the world, and if you want to serve, this is a good opportunity, said Dan Schutt, his grandson, who served in the United States Marine Corps. Schutt the younger told his grandfather that he’s been an inspiration to him and his other family members.

‘The sacrifices you made not just during the service but after that, to help take care of family doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Dan Schutt.

Norman Schutt’s new vocation found him making several trips to Europe, transporting equipment and troops for the war effort. Schutt served in the Merchant Marines from Jan. 14, 1944, to Aug. 15, 1945, sailing aboard three different vessels. After World War II, Schutt joined the National Guard in Michigan, Company Alpha 125th Infantry and continued his legacy of service from Dec. 13, 1946, to June 11, 1948. Michelle Langdon from American Legion Post 27 Ocala presented Schutt with a certificate of honor in recognition and grateful appreciation for serving in the United States Armed Forces in the name of freedom and democracy and for allegiance to God and country, in courageously protecting the nation’s liberty and independence.

Recognition for service 

American Legion Post 284 in Belleview presented a certificate of honor on behalf of the Fourth District, which is all of Marion County.

Veterans Helping Veterans Executive Director Todd Belknap presented Schutt with a Certificate of Gratitude that stated the veteran community of Marion County, Florida, is excited to extend best wishes and congratulations to a fellow veteran on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Charlie Calhoun Commander of American Legion Post 354 presented Schutt with a challenge coin from the American Legion Post 354.

Howard Mautner, a World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran who will turn 102 in April, also spoke at the celebration.

Ocala City Councilman Jim Hilty Sr., on behalf of the Ocala City Council and the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, congratulated Schutt on reaching an incredible milestone. Hilty Sr. also presented Schutt with a challenge coin from the City of Ocala, which has the inscription, “Thank you for serving your community.”

“I know you’re not really a longtime member of the community, but if it wasn’t for what you guys did for us, we would not have a community to serve as we do today and have the freedom that we have,” said Hilty Sr.

A life well lived 

When Norman Schutt returned stateside, he tried different things, including owning a Texaco gas station, where they actually serviced vehicles. Schutt overcame a heart attack, retiring early and spending 50 years in the Port Charlotte area, initially moving to North Port.

It was at that time, the ever-industrious Schutt began digging for fossils in the phosphate mine area, developing a passion for his newfound pursuit becoming an avid fossil collector, creating shark teeth necklaces, where he would sell them at craft shows. Schutt is extremely inventive and innovative, and if he sees a need for something, he’ll be able to put something together to make it work. Having grown up during the Great Depression, Schutt didn’t throw anything away, so he always had something to work with.

It was only until recently, the last few weeks, Schutt had been living by himself. He came into some health issues, so his family convinced him to move to the Ocala area, so they could help him.

Schutt’s spirit and enthusiasm for life is contagious.

“He was 94, and he needed a new weedeater, because up until recently, he mowed his own grass,” said Dan Schutt. “I took him up to Lowe’s, when I was down there visiting. We found a weedeater, a battery operated one, rechargeable, and the lady asked him if he wanted the extended warranty when we were checking out. I said, ‘you’re 94, it has a three-year warranty. I don’t know what you’re going to be doing at 97, but I don’t think you’re going to be weedeating.’ And you know what, he was. He used that weedeater until recently. It’s funny, we never anticipated that.”

Schutt’s mechanical aptitude and inventiveness has been passed down to future generations, and he’s been an inspiration to his grandson, who shares his passion for mechanical things, and those same qualities and attributes have been passed down to his great-great grandson, who likes to take things apart and put them back together.

The attention that Schutt received at his 100th birthday celebration was humbling.

“I didn’t think I’d be a celebrity when I got home,” said Norman Schutt.

Schutt had three other brothers who served, one was a bomber pilot in Europe and the others toured in Asia.

“We were lucky when we went over, we had 120 ships in our convoy,” said Schutt. “But we made it. At night, it’s pitch black. You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. But in the morning when we got through, we got through. Everybody was still alive. We had to stand in front of the ship, watch for the wake in front of the ship, in front of us, and just slow down. It was amazing to see all of the ships exactly in line.”

The World War II veteran remains proud of our nation, and he believes President Trump is doing the right thing, and although the country is experiencing some challenges, it’s resiliency will make it stronger than ever, he said.

“I’ve lived a charmed life, my life has been planned since day one,” said Schutt. “Everything that’s happened to me is outstanding. I don’t worry about anything anymore.”