Norman Griffis

Norman C. Griffis Husband ~ Father ~ Grandfather ~ Great Grandfather

On this day, June 26, 2006, the Holy Father took Norman Carson Griffis, age 76, home with Him so he could be without pain and breathe easier. He passed away at Keokuk Area Hospital, surrounded by his wife with whom he had just celebrated 37 years of marriage on June 7, and his children and grandchildren.

His eldest son, Arthur Paul, was there to greet him, with the rest of Norm's family, and mother-in-law and father-in-law, both of whom he adored.

Norman was born February 2, 1930 in Davenport, IA, a son of Arthur and Edith Carthway Griffis.

He leaves his wife, Barb, of Kahoka, MO; two sons, Kenny (Diann) Griffis of Winnebago, IL, and their children, Melissa and Tyler, and Luke I "Ted" Griffis of Hannibal, MO and his three children, Luke II, Cheyenne, and Caity; three daughters, Debbie (Lindy) Tripp of New Milford, IL, their children Jayson, Ben and Erin also Erin's companion, Ryan, and their daughter, Taylor, Wende (Ray) Ciaccio of Machesney Park, IL and their children, Natasha and Anthony, and Mary (George) Patton of Oklahoma City, OK and their children, Rusty and Larry "Bear" and their wives, also, April, Bradley "Little Man", Jeremy, Donna, Gina, Danny and Lisa, as well as their families; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Griffis of Rockford, IL and her son, Jacob; Arthur Paul's children: Tammy Griffis of Rockford ,IL and her children, Sammi and Sabrina, Norman Griffis and his wife of Rockford, IL, and Marcus Griffis of Rockford, IL; a half-sister, Jeanne McMurren of Price, UT; two cousins, Gary (Jo) Runge of Galesburg, IL and Kay (Elvin) Lyon of Kahoka, MO, as well as their children and families; a "niece", Sarah Fillman of Mt.

Pleasant, IA; brother-in-law, Thomas (Carroll) McDonnell of Thayer, MO and their children and families; also, two ex-daughters-in-law who have remained an important part of his life, Krimhilde Griffis of Germany and Aleta Griffis Shinkle of New London, IA.

Norman was born and raised in Iowa. He moved to Rockford, IL in 1953 for employment. He was employed by Sunstrand Aviation over 30 years, 27 of them with Local 592 where he was chief steward. Through the union, he served on many board committees, including the United Way, negotiating committee of the school board where he earned the nickname "storman Norman", and also one of the heads of the annual Labor Day Parade. He was an avid and active Democrat. During John F. Kennedy's campaign, he served on his campaign committee and was honored to spend time dining and meeting with him.

Together with their children, Norm and Barb owned and operated Rockford Auto Sales for 12 years, closing it in 1987. They moved to Missouri twenty years ago to fish and hunt. He started bowling when he came to Missouri and enjoyed it. He also enjoyed planting garden and flowers. He was a "card playing fool" and loved to play euchre and cribbage.

When he became physically unable to hunt, Norm started hunting Beanie Babies, which he really did enjoy. While Barb worked at Mac's Super Saver and Clark Co. Tax Service, Norm would chase Beanie Babies. He had a great love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. When he was "down" physically, they could make him smile or laugh.

He received his best buddy from Bill Dunning in the form of a miniature schnauzer. B.J. brought him back to life and gave him a will to keep moving instead of being a couch potato. B.J. was truly his life line. Norm also enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of his buddy, Rusty Smith. Norm was very loved by all his family and his many friends. He will be dearly missed and always in our hearts never to be forgotten.

Funeral services are Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 3 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating. Cremation will follow with burial at a later date.

Friends can call at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka after 9 a.m. Thursday with family receiving friends from 1 p.m. until time of services.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the family.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wilsonfh.