Bobby G. (Bob) Norris
September 02, 2009
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Bobby G. (Bob) Norris, 80, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the Trinity Center at Luther Park surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services will be held 10:30 am Saturday, September 5, 2009 at the Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Avenue SW, Altoona. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm Friday at the Church.
Bob was born April 6, 1929 in Indianola, IA to Ora Earl Norris Sr. and Lillie Dodson Norris. Bob attended Indianola Community Schools, graduated from Simpson College, obtained a master's degree from NE Missouri State College (Truman State) and additional hours from Drake University and the University of Minnesota. He married Gwen Hess on August 12, 1951 and recently celebrated 58 years together.
Bob is survived by his wife, Gwen, his children, Michael and wife Dianne of Altoona, Robin of Altoona, Kirk and wife Annette of Pleasant Hill, and Jon and wife Jill of Ankeny. Grandchildren are Michael (wife, Jessica), Megan, Kirby, Hannah, Chad, and Madeline. Great grandchildren are Grady and Emory. Sisters-in-law, Norma, Olive, Marilyn Norris, Cathy Walker, brothers/sisters-in-law, Chuck and Donna Hess of Park Rapids, MN, and Bill and Nancy Hess of Walker, MN, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his son, Bill, 16 years ago, his parents, and his siblings: Bernice, Ilo, Dortha, Vera, Arlene, Betty (his twin), Lola, Earl, Carol, Gene and Dudley.
He was a dedicated, energetic career educator of 45 years who taught and coached at Greenfield, Ogden, Humboldt, with the remainder as the ultimate Southeast Polk fan and administrator.
Bob and Gwen are lifelong members of the Altoona United Methodist Church and have supported it with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.
He also was a member of Phi Delta Kappa International, Methodist Men, and the Altoona Lions Club. He loved his family, friends, fishing, football, the Chicago Cubs, and friends of education everywhere.
Memorials may be made to the Altoona United Methodist Church or Southeast Polk Dollars for Scholars.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mike Veigulis
02/20/2019
You were truly are a great man
If it wasnt for your values
I would never made it out of high school
You could look past the rough spots to see the good in almost everyone
Thank you Bob for believing in me
You will be missed!!
Lori Anderson
09/05/2009
To the entire Norris family,
I want to share this with all of you...
I am not a native of SEP so I never knew Bob through the school admin side. I only knew Bob as Brother in Christ at Altoona UMC.
I want to share, during my time as the Children's Ministry Director, I felt Bob supported my role in "Education" also.. .but the emphasis on the Christian Education. His support of what I did meant and still means the world to me. I'll never forget seeing him on Sunday mornings, in the narthex, sipping his coffee. He usually had a smile for me.. and a little orneriness to give!
I admired Bob so much and will miss him dearly.
Norris family, your church loves you each so much and we are praying you through this most difficult time.
Lori Anderson
Denise White Thompson
09/05/2009
I wanted to extend my sympathies to Mr. Norris' family at this difficult time. You know how some people are just a fixture in your life somewhere, you don't always think about them, but know they are there? The SEP community has lost a great mentor, friend, and teacher of life and it deeply saddens us. His beautiful smile, sparkling eyes and gracious spirit has touched many from the halls of SEP and beyond. I remember the squeeze on the shoulder for something you did right at school. I remember also, the squeeze on the shoulder when you did something wrong. I hated being sent to his office, Mr. Norris was tough but he was fair. The booming laugh I remember is silenced now, but if you listen carefully you will always hear it. Many thoughts and prayers are with all of Mr. Norris' family. I could never bring myself to call him anything BUT Mr. Norris. God Bless.
Denise White Thompson
Class of '77
Stan & Regina Glawe
09/04/2009
Our most sincere sympathies on the loss of Kirk's father. Stan knew him well and I had the opportunity to meet him at a SE Polk Booster Club reunion taco dinner. I enjoyed our discussion of high school athletics and his strong opinions about our education system. He leaves a wonderful legacy. Kirk bears a strong resemblence to the picture in the paper. You will all be in our prayers. (Stan) & Regina Glawe
Jessica Olson
09/04/2009
I have had the privilege of serving Bob and the Norris family for nearly six years as an employee of Karl Chevrolet.
I remember my first introduction vividly when Mr. Norris brought in several boxes of donuts leaving one box at the cashier for us. I thanked him kindly and then asked if he had his vehicle in for service. Mr. Norris said "No - Not today. I just came up to treat my favorite friends and you special girls!" From that day on Mr. Norris became Bob. A familiar, kind, and valued friend. He was always stopping to chat and bringing us special treats some of which were our favorites; the apples.
If he were in today; I an avid Cardinals fan would tell him "Well Bob - there is always next season!" To which I was sure to get some great correspondance in return.
Bob was one of those faces you knew by name and looked forward to seeing. There are not many like him that can captivate so many through a friendly face and simple acts of kindness. Those before us were graced with a one of a kind angel.
Jessica Olson
chad agans
09/04/2009
BOB ALWAYS TREATED EVERYBODY SO WELL, I REMEMBER WHEN TALKING WITH HIM NO MATTER WHERE YOU SAW HIM HE WOULD ALWAYS ASK ABOUT MY FAMILY AND I COULD ALWAYS ASK HIM FOR ADVICE ABOUT EDUCATION NO MATTER WHERE YOU SAW HIM. HE WOULD ALWAYS CORRECT MY GRAMMAR IF IT WAS WRONG. BOB TREATED ME LIKE ONE OF HIS OWN. JUST A LITTLE STORY THAT ABOUT BOB, I HAD TAKEN ONE OF HIS VEHICLES IN FOR SERVICE, I HAD TO STOP BY AND PICK UP MY SON BEFORE RETURNING VEHICLE TO BOB. WELL OF COURSE BOB INVITED US IN, OFFERED US A MEAL. WHILE SITTING DOWN AND VISITING WITH BOB MY SON HAD SPOTTED A SOFT DRAKE FOOTBALL AND HE ASKED IF HE COULD HAVE IT, I SAID NO. BUT BOB SAID OF COURSE, TYPICAL BOB ALWAYS WILLING TO GIVE. I WILL MISS SEEING HIM AT OUR ANNUAL CHILI SUPPER. BOB WAS A WONDERFUL, CARING AND GIVING PERSON HE WILL BE MISSED BY THOSE WHO HE HAD TOUCHED THROUGHOUT THE MANY YEARS.
CHAD AGANS AND FAMILY
Kathy (Murphy) Abbott
09/03/2009
To the Norris family,
So many wonderful memories of "Mr. Norris" in the hallways of SEP. I had sent an e-mail to all the SEP alumni that I stay in touch with. We've been sending e-mails back and forth of all the great memories we have of your dad and husband.
He was such an icon at SEP with all the support and guidance he provided us.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May the many, many wonderful memories carry you through.
With blessings,
Kathy (Murphy) Abbott
6902 W. Ivanhoe St.
Chandler, AZ 85226
602-418-2115
murphyabbott@aol.com
Cheryl Schoof
09/02/2009
To the Family of "Bob" !
I've know Bob for about 10 yrs now as one of the nicest customers here at Karl Chevrolet. He always had a kind word and greeting for all of us, and sometimes a treat too. I loved it when he brought in apples.
We all will dearly miss him and our loving thoughts and prayers are with his family. I hope that some of you will continue the "Norris" presence here and help us keep his spirit alive. We will never forget our friend and very good customer "Bob"!
Sincerely with Respect and Sympathy,
Cheryl Schoof
Administrative Assistant / Customer Service Representative
Karl Chevrolet Inc.