Norman W. Griese, Jr.
September 21, 2019
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Service Details
Norman W. Griese, Jr., 74, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Methodist Medical Center. Norm was born November 16, 1944 in Chicago Heights, Illinois to Norman, Sr and Phyllis Griese. He graduated from Naperville High School in 1962. He completed his undergraduate degree from Aurora University in 1967 while working full-time at the Caterpillar plant. He completed his MBA Degree from Northern Illinois in 1970.
In 1970, Norm began a 32-year career in management with the United States Postal Service. His early career included stints in Chicago, Detroit, Louisville, and back to Chicago. He made his final move in 1980 to West Des Moines, IA as manager of the United States Postal Service Urbandale Bulk Mail Center. He was subsequently named Postmaster of Des Moines. He retired as Postmaster of Des Moines in 2002.
Post retirement he spent 15+ years as a starter at Glen Oaks Country Club where everyone knew his name. He also had a love for reading and volunteered many hours at the West Des Moines Library.
In 1968, Norm married Cynthia Wheatley. In November of last year they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren’s activities (track, volleyball, ballet, cheerleading, and golf) in West Des Moines.
Norm and Cindy had a true love of traveling. They visited all 50 states and took worldwide trips too numerous to count. Norm also planned special annual trips to include his mother – both international and domestic. Trips also included annual Father-Son golf trips that included Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Whistling Straits, and Myrtle Beach. Annual holiday trips to see their daughter were always a highlight.
Norm was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Woodward and his father, Norman Sr.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia; his son, Scott (Carol) and their daughters, Taylor and Morgan; his daughter, Kristin (Neil Niskanen); his sisters, Deb Carlen and Sandy Moutrey; and brother Gary Woodward.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held Sunday, September 29, 2019 from noon until 3:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Iowa Public Television.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Lisa & Brett Hoffman
10/02/2019
We are so saddened by the sudden loss of Norm. He was one of the highlights of my rounds. I'm not a very good golfer but he would always greet me with a warm smile and positive thoughts to send me down one fairway. My daughter, Paige, always enjoyed chatting with him. He was always interested in her golf game. She was blessed to see him the week he passed away. We will miss his smile on number one tee and will think of him often. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Gloria Friedrich
10/01/2019
Cindy and family,
May faith in our risen Lord comfort you in the days and years ahead.
Shannon Rutledge
09/27/2019
Thoughts and prayers to Norm's family. Every time I met Norman on the 1st tee at Glen Oaks he put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. One of a kind!
Bob Adams
09/27/2019
My most sincere condolences go out to Cindy and the entire Griese family at this most difficult time. May the good memories of special times shared help you through the days ahead. I worked at the BMC when Norm was appointed Plant Manager and then later worked for him as a supervisor at a station. Without any doubt Norms passing will leave a huge void in many lives, especially the lives of Cindy and all of their children and grandchildren. May God Bless you all.
Detlef, Carol and Melinda (Mindy) Friedrichsen
09/26/2019
We are so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by many joyful memories.
Jan Belken
09/25/2019
I am so very sorry for the sudden passing of your husband. You both made many unforgettable memories in all your many travels through life. Please let your friends aware of your needs in the coming months.
David Blank
09/24/2019
To Norm's whole family - Thank you from the Glen Oaks members and families like mine, for sharing such a wonderful man with us. Myself and my family all got to know and appreciate Norm, as we swapped many a story at the first tee through the years. Norm always had a warm smile and a kind word to help start a round. He watched my boys grow up on the course and always encouraged and asked about them. Norm will be missed by so many. Myself, my wife and my boys were all blessed to know and be friends with such a wonderful person.
Austin Palmer
09/24/2019
I was heartbroken and very sad to learn that Norm had passed... I looked forward to seeing him on the first tee each time we played a round at Glen Oaks. You could always count on Norm for a smile and a positive comment or two. He will definitely be missed by many...
Scott and Carol, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Norm was a wonderful guy and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to know him.
Jeff and Doris Payne
09/24/2019
Scott, Carol and Family, Our hearts go out to your entire family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family are in our Hearts and Prayers
Jeff and Doris
Shirley DeBuse
09/24/2019
With heart felt sympathy I am so sorry for the loss of Norm. He was always there to give the employees a ride from the parking lot to the club if he was not busy. He was my Stormn Norman. You will truly be missed my friend Rest In Peace!! We all loved you and cherished your friendship.
David & Julie Moon
09/23/2019
Scott, Carol and Family - We are so saddened to learn of the loss of Norm. He always had a smile and a kind word or a friendly jab, to go along with his great sense of humor. He will be missed tremendously by all who knew him. You and your family are in our prayers. With love, Dave, Julie, Larry & Tyler
Rosanne Rowen
09/23/2019
Cindy,
So sorry to hear of you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this difficult time.
Rose
LeRoy & Vicki Plank
09/23/2019
We are heartbroken over the loss of Norm. He had that fabulous quality of making us all feel very special, and that he was there to be our friend. He was our friend and we will miss him so very, very much!!! Thank you for having shared him with us, for all those years at Glen Oaks....we all truly loved him!!
Julie Correa
09/23/2019
Scott, Carol and family - Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all. You are in our prayers during this difficult time! - Steven, Julie, Anna & Joseph Correa