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Norman Gregory Grifka
Born: 4/10/1950
Died: 9/2/2023
Age: 73
Community: Westlake Village CA formerly of Owosso, MI
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Norman Gregory Grifka (73), of Westlake Village, CA passed away the evening of September 2nd, 2023 with his wife and son by his side. As many times before, the three of them tackled life together, and in death the three of them were together one last time.
Norman was born April 10th, 1950 to Albert and Jeanette Grifka in Bad Axe, Michigan. He was the first out of five children. Norman would spend his youth living in Harbor Beach working on the dairy farm his parents owned. The farm would hold many amazing childhood memories with his brother, sisters and parents. Norman often talked about walking through the cornfields to get to his grandparents who lived on the other side, or all family functions with the Grifka’s and Hanson’s, the wild personalities that came with both sides of the family. He’d reminisce about watching both parents playing in a band, or about the one room school he attended as a boy, The Kipper School, as well as all the trouble he found himself in, living on a farm.
In 1967, he and his family moved to Chesaning, Michigan. After graduating from New Lothrop High School in 1968, he would then go on to serve in the United States Airforce. He would often, with a drink in hand and his best friend John next to him, tell stories to his son about being stationed in Alaska and in Las Vegas. Las Vegas being some of his fondest memories. Riding motorcycle’s down Fremont Street, or watching Led Zeppelin live in concert, the stories would go on and on, especially when the drinks starting flowing.
In 1972, Norman’s life would change forever while home on leave for his brother’s high school graduation. At the party, he would see the most stunning girl step in to the room. Turning to his friend standing next to him, he’d say, “I am going to marry that girl.” Here is where he would meet the love of his life, partner, and best friend for the next 49 years, Aneliese. She was an exchange student from Brazil and barely spoke English, but somehow, Norman fell madly in love. They would go on just two dates (one being that evening). Aneliese went back to Brazil and Norman back to the service. For the next year and a half, they would write one another, and send photos. In 1974, Aneliese would come to visit him, and the day after stepping off the plane during a frigid Michigan winter, he would propose. It was a true love at first sight story. The Saginaw paper would actually write a piece about them and run the story for all to read.
The couple started out with nothing, but had more than most, and that was a pure love. The kind of love you see only in movies where two people work together to create the best life for each other and their family.
In 1975, their only child, a son, Allan was born. They would move to Owosso where they would raise their son and build a life.
Norman wasn’t like most fathers. He was honest about everything, never sugar coating anything, and allowed his son to experience life just as long as he didn’t make a fool of himself or the family. On one hand he could be a tough disciplinarian, but on the other, he always held his son, telling him that he loved him. Norman would be there for Allan his entire life, giving the support he needed through whatever challenges. He cheered the loudest at his son’s sporting events, always had an off-center joke for he and his high school friends, or teach him random things that didn’t make sense in the moment, but now make total sense. Norman raised him to be tough and strong, but to also have softness and empathy towards every situation. Norman loved music and introduced his son to all kinds of it, from Rock to Country to Polka. Later in life, he’d introduce his two granddaughters to a childhood favorite, Shirley Ellis’s The Clapping Song. Most importantly, he would always make sure his son Allan, had a rented copy of “A Christmas Story” to watch before Santa Clause came to town.
Norman always made certain his son had everything he needed to succeed in life and never once cut corners. He would push his son to be the best man he could be, with a life based on honesty, integrity, empathy, love, caring, trust, strength and hard work. He was truly the best father a kid could ever ask for.
For anyone who knew Norman, they loved him full heartedly. He was completely selfless, humble, and loyal, giving what he could to friends, and especially to his family. Norman was a devoted son to his mother and father, always making sure they were safe and cared for. He would often cut their grass, clean out their garage, or do what was needed to make their lives easier. He’d record their favorite shows, or insist they have the latest television, VCR, stereo and purchase them as gifts when he felt inclined.
Norman had an exceptional sense of humor and enjoyed showcasing it at any moment. He loved to entertain and make people laugh. He cherished the opportunity to make a situation memorable. He was always the center of attention (when he chose to be). On Christmas Eve, he’d dress as Santa Clause, and with his family, leave in the morning, stopping at the homes of friends delivering joy and laughter, ending the day at his parents where the entire family would be celebrating Christmas. He’d then give out all the gifts under the tree to the entire group of 50+ people.
Over the years, he would welcome in numerous exchange students, always giving them a unique and enjoyable experience. Norman also opened his home to a troubled youth, two separate times, trying to give the young man guidance, help and a safe place to stay. He’d always cease whatever he was doing to help anyone in need, always. He was constantly there to help people move, paint rooms, change tires, clean, cook, fix or build things, words of encouragement and advice, never once asking for anything in return. He made an impact on so many lives, and will be forever missed.
Norman was a hardworking man and never complained about what he had to do.
After working 30 years for General Motors, he retired and moved to Florida. He and his wife would live in Orlando then move to Bradenton to be closer to Norman’s mother. During this time, he made sure his mother was always taken care of and safe, looking after her until she passed away.
In 2018, Norman and his wife moved to California to be closer to his son, daughter in-law and two granddaughters. They would settle down in a small town called Menifee. Here Norman would find a new group of friends to joke with, and make laugh. They would talk for hours in the garage. Being a grandfather was a new chapter in his life, and he appreciated every moment.
Unfortunately, Norman was dealt a hard hand. He was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in April. He courageously underwent an emergency surgery and received chemotherapy and radiation. He fought hard and his family was proud of him. In his final moments, his son and wife were blessed to thank Norman for the life, the memories and beautiful moments he gave them. Seconds after they told him to let go and go home, he took his final breath.
Norman is survived by his wife Aneliese and son, Allan, daughter-in-law Ashley (who was the daughter he never had) and two wonderful granddaughter’s, Phoenix and Gabriela. He is also survived by his sister’s Doreen Kuchar (Terry), Cathy Brooks (Walter), Rhonda Neeley (Mitch) and brother, Randy Grifka (Anerli).
Norman was predeceased by his father Albert Grifka, who died in 1994, and mother Jeannette Grifka, who passed in 2008.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10am Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Kuchar officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 9am until the time of Mass.
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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10/7/2023 |
| Time: |
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9:00 AM |
| The family will receive friends at the church from 9am until the time of Mass. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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10/7/2023 |
| Time: |
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10:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Nelson-House Funeral Home
120 E. Mason Street
Owosso, MI 48867Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Fr. Michael Kuchar |
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