Racine – Norman J. Crawford, 80, died surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, October 3, 2011. He was born in Napoleon, OH, on December 9, 1930, son of the late Gale and Naida (nee: Knipp) Crawford. Norm was united in marriage to Alice Waldo on December 19, 1952, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Toledo, OH.
Norm graduated in 1949 from Woodward High School in Toledo, OH. He then attended Bowling Green State University on a basketball scholarship. He interrupted his college career to serve in the Navy for four years aboard the USS Rushmore LSD during the Korean War. Upon returning, he finished his business degree at the University of Toledo.
Norm met his future wife, Alice, while they were both students at Woodward High School in Toledo. After they were married, the Crawford family lived in OH, IA and WI in support of Norm's career before settling in Racine in 1970. Norm was a dedicated employee of Case Corporation (formerly J.I. Case Company) for over 20 years in the Auditing and Data Processing departments before retiring in 1989. He previously worked for Standard Oil, Allied Chemical, and 10 years at General Motors.
Norm enjoyed computers, working on his yard, boating, fishing, tying jigs, and his annual fishing trips to Canada. He spent time traveling all over Europe and the US with Alice after retirement. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching his Super Bowl Champions. Above all, Norm loved spending time with his family and will be dearly missed by all.
Norm is survived by his loving wife, Alice; adoring daughters, Lynn (Tim Willmes) Crawford of Cudahy, Carol (Milan Vukicevic) Crawford of Fox Point; grandchildren, Ava Alice and Peter Norman Crawford – Vukecevic of Fox Point; sisters, Jean Yingling of Toledo, OH, Maryann (Jack) Hinger of Los Angeles, CA; and other nieces, nephews, and relatives.
A memorial service with Full Military Honors will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, on Saturday, October 8, at 3pm, with Rev. J.D. Millar officiating. Visitation will be from 1pm until the time of the service. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the American Cancer Society or Wheaton Franciscan Hospice.
The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Choi, Dr. Ulmer, their staff, and to the Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their care.
Moira Donnelly-Kempf says
Alice & family, Ron & I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Moira and Ron
Philip & Miyuki Lucht says
We were honored to know Norm. He was straight-forward, capable, always up to the challenge, and had a great sense of humor. He was the guy you would want in your fox hole if you ever found yourself in a tough spot. A great American.