Norman LeRoy Givler

Norman Givler, 85, died on February 23, 2021 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA

Norman was born to LeRoy Etter and Vida Mae (Zuck) Givler in Granger, IA on November 4, 1935. He attended one room school houses from kindergarten through 8th grade then enrolled and graduated from Dallas Center, IA High School in 1953. During high school he worked with farmers in the area as a part time farm hand then after graduation he was employed by the Dallas Center Grain Elevator. In 1956 he enlisted in the US Army for 3 years and was stationed in Korea for 16 months as a telecommunications inspector that traveled the entire country of Korea, including the demilitarized zone. While working at the Elevator he met Helen Marie Coleman and they were married December 28, 1956, while he was still in basic training. After basic training he was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia. They began their married life in Georgia until he was shipped out to Korea in November,1957. After returning to the states in 1959 he was stationed again at Fort Gordon as an instructor in telecommunications. After his discharge in November, 1959 he and Helen were able to move back to the Des Moines area where he began working for the next 36 years for United Air Lines as a ground service agent.

After retirement in 1995 from UAL he remained busy with the grandchildren, the church and the South Des Moines Lions Club. The last few years have kept Norman and Helen busy with KidSight, a program the Lions Clubs have that screens children's eyes. The free program screens children 6 month through Kindergarten to detect any problems a child might have in seeing properly. Norman really enjoyed working with the children. As a result of this service with KidSight as well as many other services in which he was involved with the Lions, he was awarded the Warren Coleman Honorary Award.

Norman's biggest enjoyment was making people laugh. He liked to have a funny joke or riddle to share, one of which was the "Stool Sample". The "Exercise Block" and "Quarter Pounder" were 2 more. Norman joined the Wakonda Christian Church in 1993 and was very active in the property committee and served as a deacon a number of years. If there was work to be done at the Church, Norman was there to help in any way that he could.

Norman is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen; daughter, Anneliese Thompson; son Gary (Mary) Givler; granddaughters, Crystal Busick and Amber Davik; grandsons, Chad Thompson, Tobby Givler; great-grandchildren, Anastasia Smithart, and Daisy Mae Thompson. He is also survived by his siblings, Duane (Helen) Givler, Richard (Barbara) Givler , and Sharon Bohenkamper.

He has joined in heaven with his parents, LeRoy & Vida Givler and sister Patricia Robbins.

Services will be held Saturday, March 6th at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm and a celebration of life will begin at 2 pm. Burial of the cremated remains will take place at a later date.
Memorials can be directed to Wakonda Christian Church or the South Des Moines Lions Club.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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