Norman Crees

Norman, son of Cecil and Clara (Petersen) Crees, was born August 3, 1932, on the farm in Highland Township, near Bayard, Iowa. He attended rural school and graduated from Bayard High School in 1950. Norm worked in the area until entering the United States Army. He served during the Korean conflict and, following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Bayard area and started farming. On December 22, 1957 Norm was united in marriage with Bettie Lu Shirbroun at the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. They farmed together outside Bayard until their retirement in 2003 when they moved to Coon Rapids. Norm believed in being active in the community and served on many committees. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bayard and a past church board member, member of the American Legion and served on the ASC and Co-op boards. Norm was also a longtime trustee of Highland Township Cemetery. He was a 4-H leader, little league baseball coach, and a long time seed corn salesman. In addition, Norm was a friend to everyone.considering all he met as part of his family. Norm had been battling several health issues in the last few years. He entered St. Anthony Hospital on Sunday and died there on Monday, December 30, 2013. He was 81 years, 4 months and 27 days of age. Norm is preceded in death by his parents and Bettie's brother Dwain Shirbroun and wife Lois. He is survived by his wife Bettie Lu Crees of Coon Rapids; son Kevin Crees and wife Cathy of Bayard; 3 step grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; brother Merrill Crees and wife Bernice of Minnetonka, MN; brother-in-law Joe Shirbroun and wife Jan of Coon Rapids; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Officiant Reverend Ben Ramirez of 1st Christian Church of Coon Rapids Music "The Old Rugged Cross" Congregation "How Great Thou Art" Cindy Seastrom, Vocalist Lula Garnes, Accompanist "Save The Last Dance For Me" Anne Murray recording Casket Bearers Dave Carstens Steve Derry Don Schwartz Chris Troendle Dick Hanson Scott McClellan Interment with Military Honors Highland Township Cemetery Bayard, Iowa American Legion Bryan Mercer Post 44 Norm's family wishes to thank you for your kindness and invites you for lunch and fellowship at the church hall following the committal service.