Norman William House

Norman William House, 98, of Chatfield, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at his home, of natural causes. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Chatfield, with the Rev. Debra Jene Collum officiating. Burial will be in the Chatfield cemetery with military rights by the Chatfield VFW Post #6913. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, June 11, at the Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Norman W. House was born March 6, 1914, on his grandparent's farm located north of St. Charles, to George and Sadie (Busher) House. He was educated in the old country school, District #59, near his home. By the age of 12 he received an eighth grade education after only six years in school, with many of them shortened to only 45 days because of work obligations on the farm. At the age of 14 he bought his first farm. In 1942, at the age of 28, Norm joined the army and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Returning home in 1944, Norm moved to Chatfield where he was employed at the Chatfield Motor Company, which later became the Hammell Equipment Company. He also received four patents one of which was the cherry picker. Norm wants it to be known that he may have become tired, but he will never retire. Norman House joined Meridian Lodge #25 and was raised to Master Mason in the winter of 1946. He is also a dual member of Evergreen Lodge #46. He is a Past Master. Norm has also been a District Representative of District 29. He has also been a life member in good standing in the North Star Chapter #11 of the Royal ARCF Masons, where he has served as Excellent High Priest many times, and as Grand Lecturer. He is a life member of the Order of the High Priesthood. Norman was declared a life member in good standing of the Cryptic Masons of Tyrian Council #4, where he has served as illustrious Master. Norm is a member of the York Rite College #39. He is a life member of the following: Home Commandery #05 Knights Templar and Post Emanant Commander, where he is a Life Sponsor of the Eye Foundation. He is a life member of Knights of York Cross of Honor, Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, obtaining the 33rd Degree on Nov. 3, 2001. He is a life permanent contributing member of Osman Temple, Rochester Area Shrine Club, being named Shriner of the Year in 1995. He is a member of the Osman Temple Shrine Circus Daddy Club. He is also a permanent contributor to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children. Norman is also a member of the Hundred Million Dollar Club and the Dragon Patrol. Fun Section: Norman was a Member of the Lotus Club; Member of the Ancient Order of Elephant Trainers; Member of the Ancient Order of Camel Herders; Member of the Royal Canadian Mounties of Winnipeg; Member of the International Association of Turtles and Past Watchmen of Shepherds; Associate Guardian of Job's Daughters; Counselor of the Demaille; Life Member of the American Legion Post #190 in St. Charles; Member of the Chatfield Lion's Club; Member of the Chatfield Historical Society; and Member of the Fillmore County Historical Society. Norman is survived by a special friend of 19 years, Barbara O'Reilly. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Olive Warden and Marie Nichols. Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is in charge of arrangements. 507-867-4310 www.rileyfuneralhome.com