Norman Francis Druffel, 83, died Thursday, August 13, 2015 peacefully at his home with his family in Pullman, Washington.
He was born and raised in Colton, the son of Leo and Gen Druffel. Growing up, Norm enjoyed working on the family farm, learning to play the bugle, showing steers, playing sports and was an active member of the Future Farmers of America.
After graduating from Colton High School, Norm was drafted into the Army. In June of 1953 he married his childhood sweetheart Jessie Guettinger. They returned to Colton in 1954 after his military service and began farming with Norm's brother Dick. In 1973 Norm Druffel and Sons was created as their four sons returned home to the family farm.
Over the years Norm was involved with the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and served on the board of directors for Crites Seed, Grange Supply, and Almota Grain Growers.
The most important thing to Norm was always his family. He loved farming, his cattle, fixing up his old Mack trucks, and never missed a season on his tractor. He could always be found driving around in his pickup caring for his crops or on his Gator checking up on his family.
Norm's hard work and dedication have always been an inspiration to his family and anyone who had an opportunity to meet him. The legacy that Norm and his wife Jessie have created will be felt for generations to come.
Norm is survived by his wife Jessie of 62 years; son Wayne his wife Karna, their children Kurt (wife Sarah, children Christopher and Matthew), Jackie (husband Jeremy, and daughter Zoey); son Roy his wife Debbie, children Shawna (husband Jon, children Brianna and Ty), Dusty (wife Jackie, son Colt), Alisa, Jay, and Tia; son Ken his wife Cheryl, children Rob (wife Katy, daughter Savannah), Paige, and Jeremy; son Mark his wife Lorie, children Danielle (husband Jake and son Isaac), Cory (husband Cody), Annalisa, and Sam; nieces that he raised Lisa Watson and Stacy Sharp; and his brother Richard Druffel. He is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Gen; son Kris; brothers Larry and Ron Druffel; sisters Patricia Kirpes and Joyce Heitstuman; and daughter-in-law Cindy Druffel.
A rosary will be held Tuesday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Pullman, followed by a funeral mass on Wednesday, August 19 at 10:30 a.m. Vault inurnment will follow at the Pullman Cemetery. Following the service a celebration of life will be held at the family farm on Sand Road. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations be made to the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation in care of Norm Druffel, 840 SW Bishop Blvd., Suite 200, Pullman, WA 99163.