Norman Champion

Champion, Norman E. OREGON - Norman E. Champion, age 88, of Oregon, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2007, at HospiceCare. He was born on Oct. 15, 1918, in the Town of Rutland, the son of William and Edna (Olsen) Champion. Norman graduated from Oregon High School. He married Pauline Gransee on March 25, 1941, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. During his high school days, he had his own dance band, "Champs Orchestra". He played the Tenor Saxaphone and his sister played the piano. Later he played with other bands. Norman worked at Baker Manufacturing Co. in Evansville until coming to Oregon in 1947. He started Oregon Heating and Sheet Metal Co. with his brother-in-law, Earl Gransee. Later Norman became full owner of the business. The name was changed to Oregon Heating and Air Conditioning. He was in the business 28 years. After selling his business, he worked for Mott Brothers in Rockford, Ill. Norman enjoyed working with wood and made many things for family and friends. He had a cabin up North that he built with the help of family, and spent many happy hours there fishing and hunting. Norman was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, Oregon. He was Small Business Man of the Year in 1971, a member of Wisconsin Society of Professional Designers for Engineering Systems, on the Village Board for 12 years and was village president for four years. He was also a member of Oregon Fire Department and past assistant chief of the department, was active in the Boy Scouts, and was one of the organizers of the Chamber of Commerce and a past president. He was past president of the Oregon Rotary Club and was its first recipient of the Paul Harris award. Norman was past president of the Oregon area Historical Society, and past member of Oregon F and AM Lodge No. 51. Norman was also a member and past Worthy Patron of Oregon Order of Eastern Star No. 49, a member of Zor Shrine where he played in the concert band. He was also a member of Scottish Rite, and Lakeland Shrine Club. Although Norman was very active in community organizations, family was still the most important part of his life. He is survived by his wife, Pauline; his children, Ann (John) Benedict, Gwen (David) Lister, and Mary Gerth; his grandchildren, Peter, Paul (Tasha) and Sarah Benedict, Casey and Clint Thompson, Andy Lister, Cora and Mark Gerth; a great granddaughter, Laura Benedict; and sister, Marlene Ferguson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood in Oregon. The Reverend Paul Markquart will be presiding. Burial will be in Prairie Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church, the Oregon Area Historical Society, or the Madison Scottish Rite Childrens Learning Center. Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Centers 431 Soden Drive (608)835-3515 www.gundersonfh.com