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Norman Kraus Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Norman Kraus
Douglas Lombardo
February 17, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, May God bless you al and this country.
Gerri Gia Alesse
February 16, 2024
God bless & RIP
Gerri Gia Alesse
Jeffrey Klawitter Sr
March 6, 2023
2 years have passed. Gone but NEVER forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. Your legacy lives on sir.
Douglas Lombardo
March 5, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting "Mr. Norm" in Indianapolis and consider it a highpoint in my life. As a life long Mopar Nut and having been to his dealership numerous times in `70 through `72 with a buddy and seeing what he/they could do with a car, I can say he was an icon in the Mopar world and to racing fans! May god bless his family and know that Mr. and Mrs. Norm are together with our Lord in his realm. I bet that he has our Lord and Savior driving a `69 Hemi Charger!
Mark Sebella
December 6, 2022
I met Mr Norm at the Mopar Nationals one year in Indy. I told him I had a bunch of questions for him because I owned a car sold from Grand Spalding Dodge. It was the 1971 Charger R/T. He took the time and patiently answered all my questions. Very nice guy. R.I.P. Mr. Norm.
Neel Roberts
September 22, 2022
Neel Roberts
September 22, 2022
Neel Roberts
September 22, 2022
Neel Roberts
September 22, 2022
God speed Mr. Norm from Alberta, Canada. You were a legacy here and an inspiration to all!
Mark Stites
March 8, 2022
I have been very sad to read about the lost of Norm Kraus. This is a big lost to our country as I have read and heard so much about Norm and his family. To the Performance Mopar World, we all suffer from his passing. Memories live on and his spirit will stay for ever, God Bless Norm.
The Kid
October 13, 2021
I think of you often but today especially. Your friendship was a true blessing. HBD. Luv Ya
Filix M
September 24, 2021
I'm very saddened to find out Norm has passed away. I lived next to Norm for about a decade and knew him and his wife Fran very well. Our backyards were separated by a fence.
I would come over to Norm's house regularly and we would talk about various topics, he would show me all of the Mr. Norms memorabilia from his days in the business and some of the letters people would write to him from all over the world. To me, Norm was my neighbor and my friend so I didn't actually realize that he was famous. He was proud of his Russian heritage and would talk about what it was like being Jewish in the 50s America, naturally something I had no clue about. Norm was a very wise person with an incredible life experience and I've learned quite a bit from him. His wife Fran was a very cool lady, she came over once to my pool party and partied with us, unfortunately Fran passed away before I moved out from there. I would stop by Norms for a few years after I moved, but have not seen him since which I greatly regret. Norm would always tell me how I needed to find a good girl to marry. I wish I could have told him that I actually did and have children now, perhaps he can see it from above. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace my friend.
DJ Rosen
August 25, 2021
I met Norm about 10 years ago in Acapulco when I was visiting my dad. The three of us went to dinner a couple times, hung at the pool daily and shared laughs. Norm was such a light. I´m so happy to have met him!! My heartfelt condolences.
Victor B
August 1, 2021
I just read about the passing of Mr. Norm. I was fortunate to meet him at the MCACN one year in Chicago, I think in 2014. A few members of his family were there, all such nice and friendly people. My sincere condolences. He was so much respected and liked. BDE.
Mike riley
June 26, 2021
Thank you for being my mentor i used the things you taught me when I worked for you and I made it to the top thank you
Rest In Peace babe
Joseph Karkoszka
May 4, 2021
You will be truly missed. I often recall the days when I lived a few houses away from the dealership, at times I would run sandwiches to the mechanics there from "Sam's Grocery "on Cortez st. You were always cheerful and smiling. May God take your hand and walk with you in eternal bliss.
Emily Hermes
April 27, 2021
My daddy Bill... aka William Hermes from Wilmington Illinois bought a 1970 challenger t/a after he got back from Vietnam.... on November 14 1970 from Mr. Norm In Chicago. It was his reward to himself! This is his favorite and BEST story. As his daughter, I´ll say that he loved Mr. Norm and that challenger more than anything!!! I thank you, Mr. Norm for giving my daddy such wonderful memories. My daddy is my hero... and you were one of his. Rest in...hot rods.
Vic
March 20, 2021
Your story is an inspiration to many.
My condolences to the family.
May he rest in peace.
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
Jamie and Kelly larsen
March 12, 2021
My wife and myself lost a great man and a ever better friend here are pics of norm signing her 73 gas duster
Gary Miron
March 11, 2021
Very sorry to learn on Mr Norm´s passing.
We purchased a new 1972 Supercharged 340 four speed Challenger from the Chicago dealership while on our honeymoon. We returned to Upper Michigan and of course drag raced many local cars eventually moving to Mpls. with our family mopar. Great dealership and such memories with that awesome car.
Stanley Dzul
March 8, 2021
I lived in Chicago on Grand and Sacramento ave not to far away from Mr Norms dealership. I´ve been a Mopar fan all my life met him at the MCACN shows. RIP my friend.
marc beauchamp
March 7, 2021
Just found out about Mr Norm's passing,sorry to hear, I met him in mid 2000's at Carlilse Chrysler Nationals, great guy.
His legacy will live on, RIP
Debbie Alaimo
March 6, 2021
Debbie Alaimo
March 6, 2021
Debbie Alaimo
March 6, 2021
Debbie Alaimo
March 6, 2021
Rest in peace Mr. Norm I will always cherish the time spent in Bowling Green with you and your family. You were most gracious and helpful in our new adventure with our Hurst 300H.
Lee and family....you are in our thoughts and prayers
Arnie K.
March 4, 2021
Having grown up in Chicago during the '60's, listening to Grand-Spaulding commercials on WLS, having a favored distance of 1320 feet and never having forgotten the sweet fragrance of 102 octane, it is with heavy heart that I have received the news of the passing of another one of our childhood heroes. I extend my condolences and prayers to his family. I have attempted to learn where he grew up and the high school which he attended, but without success. Thank you for the memories Mr. Norm.
Keith Downer
March 4, 2021
Keith Downer
March 4, 2021
Keith Downer
March 4, 2021
Keith Downer
March 4, 2021
Norman will be greatly missed, especially in the Drag Racing world. He was always a gentleman and would be willing share his stories with fans. His legacy will live on in the cars he created and generations he touched throughout the years.
My Mr Norms GSS1320 Angry Bee, car #1 and the items he signed for that car will be cherished.
To Normans family...thank you for sharing him with us.
Christopher
March 4, 2021
Rest in eternal peace. Thankful for what you gave to the automotive world and your development of some of the greatest Mopar muscle cars. You'll be remembered for generations!
Brian D Matthews
March 3, 2021
I will always remember meeting Mr Norm at the All Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, PA. He was always a pleasure to talk to and a true gentleman. He was a true Mopar guy.
Marty pascuzzi
March 2, 2021
Marty pascuzzi
March 2, 2021
Marty pascuzzi
March 2, 2021
I spent many winters with my friend Mr Norm in Acapulco
Love all the stories ....lots of laughs... lots of good times to remember...
Paul Fulton
March 2, 2021
Thank you Mr. Norm for your wisdom, your kindness, and your patience. I first met him at the Mopar Nationals in 2011 and again at Chrysler at Carlisle in 2016. Both times he was very generous with his time, and friendly...I was able to have him autograph a few items for me as well. You were a HUGE part of the Mopar legacy, and your many accomplishments and contributions, to our hobby will not be forgotten! My condolences to Mr. Kraus' family....R.I.P. sir, and may GOD bless and keep you.
Adam Cano
March 2, 2021
To the entire family, I want to express my deepest sympathy. I knew Mr Norm and had many conversations with him. He was always a great person to talk to. The stories he had were amazing. The car world and the wold itself will never be the same without him, but he will always be a legend. His legacy will live on for years to come.
Tommy & Carly Barron (Slicks of Hope)
March 2, 2021
We had the honor to meet Mr. Norm and spend a weekend with him while racing our car this past September. Norm lived up to the legend I read about as a kid, he was a gracious host during the event and we will forever cherish our time spent with him. Rest easy brother.
Bob Harder
March 2, 2021
I never got to meet 'Mr. Norm' but yet seem to know him through all the great memories of him that my 'Mopar Buddies' have shared with me. And now I have a memory of my own: I bought my first 'Mr. Norm's' car just this past Saturday ... Feb 27th. I'll NEVER forget him. Holly and I have your family sincerely in our prayers ...
Phillip A Haramia
March 1, 2021
Condolences to the family. Norm was a Legend in the Mopar Arena and will always be remembered for his contributions to the hobby. People would come from all over to visit the Grand Spaulding Show room and see what Norm created. God bless.
Frank Mastrangelo
March 1, 2021
Frank Mastrangelo
March 1, 2021
Frank Mastrangelo
March 1, 2021
I was fortunate to meet Norm after I purchased one of the rare Dodge Super Cat automobiles from him and Larry Weiner. We met up again at a couple carshows in Chicago and the suburbs. I grew up in Highland Park and still live close by along with both my siblings. My brother and I met up with Norm again in 2020 at the house where he was kind enough to sign both my Dodge cars. Great guy who will be missed by everyone he knew. Deepest sympathy to all the family
Eric Walker
March 1, 2021
Mr. Norm will be missed. Our condolences to his family. We will remember our dinner conversations and stories that you told very fondly. Thanks for the memories and friendship.
The Walkers
Scott J Braun
March 1, 2021
Norm was just a great guy. He always gave me his time and knowledge when I needed it. I am going to miss him. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace my friend.
Nancy and Richard Grenvich
March 1, 2021
As Norm told me when I left Acapulco in December 'You will be missed'. Norm will be missed by everyone who met him. How lucky we were to know him! Rest In Peace my friend!
Bob Ashton/MCACN
March 1, 2021
So sorry to hear of Norm's passing. It was such an honor to have him with us at our show over the years. He certainly was an Ambassador of our great hobby and will be missed by so many. RIP Norm!
Louis Katanos
March 1, 2021
Louis Katanos
March 1, 2021
Louis Katanos
March 1, 2021
Louis Katanos
March 1, 2021
Mr Norm, may you rest in peace.
Your legacy to the Mopar Brand was both legendary & everlasting.
Even though I live in Australia my 1970 Valiant VG 770 Hardtop is dedicated to your legecy.
I have Mr Norm stickers, number plate surrounds, sew on patches.
I proudly talk to others about who Mr Norm was & all your achievement.
Rest in Peace
Jamie larsen
March 1, 2021
I am sorry for the loss of a mopar legend and a friend I will never forget the world and mopar in general was a better place because of Mr norm such a HUGE LOSS I will never forget his friendship and kindness was a honor to call you my friend
Nancy Kunsak
March 1, 2021
Your passion for mopars gave thousands so much joy. May your family be comforted by how much you mean to so many!
Royce Steward.
February 28, 2021
Sorry for your lose. I worked him in the 70´s. He was a good man and boss
Chris Rzewuski
February 28, 2021
When my brother and I were teenagers, we used to walk over to Grand Spaulding Dodge to visit with whoever we could talk to at night. One night Farkonas, and Minick were there unloading a white 1964 Dodge Hemi off the train that used to run behind the dealer. Since they kind of knew us for always hanging around and pestering them, it was so awesome to see this car. We went to Oswego Dragway to watch them break in the new car. They ran a 12.12 and 118.42 right out of the gate. The Muraders AFX Comet was there with Ed Rashanski and Gary Dyer turning about the same time. You have to remember, both cars were new and fresh out of the gate.
Mr. Norm took us in. We traveled in a dealer-plated, red and white 1964 Dodge convertible. We traveled to Union Grove, Wisconsin for more testing and fine tuning. We recorded all the times for him and the car. We went to a few other racetracks with him.
For him to take the time to be a father to 2 boys that grew up without a father will always be special in our hearts. Thanks, Mr. Norm for being there for two kids that loved drag racing and didn't have a father. RIP
Dean Roberson
February 28, 2021
Rest in peace, Norm you changed the game in the Mopar world. You will definitely be missed.
Lee Wulbert
February 28, 2021
My condolences to you Lori, Lee, & Lyle. I will miss Norm. I loved the years my father & I worked for him. He was always like family to me. His legacy will live on.
WAYNE ALIOTO
February 28, 2021
I work for Norm @ GSD for about 8 years thru the 80's. About 4 years ago Norm and I had dinner together and talked about old times at GSD. Norm you will be missed. My sincere prayers & condolences to his family during this difficult time. RIP my friend.
Darren Peters
February 28, 2021
The Mopar world lost a true Icon. Mr Norm will be missed by many. Prayers for your family during this time. RIP Mr Norm
James Breytspraak
February 28, 2021
I'm very sorry for your loss, Mr. Norm was HUGE part of my fathers life as well as our families. May God bless his soul and look out for him as he makes his way to heaven. Best wishes from my family to yours.
ralph bernstein
February 28, 2021
I guess from all of the persons who are sending their remembrances, I knew Babe (Norm) the longest. I almost never new him by the name of Norm. I was sorry to read about his untimely death, he was such a health nut. In latter years, we did not see each other as in early years. He was a person who outwardly tried to show he was a strong, quick tempered guy. But that is not what he was. To me he was a real "puppy." A truly nice person. My condolences to Lee, Lyle, and Lori. Also to his family, of whom I do not know. So long pal, 87 years is a nice number, but not long enough for you.
Patricia & Alan Hoffman
February 28, 2021
Truly an amazing man. He will be missed
Robin Fine and Avrom Litin
February 28, 2021
We are so sorry for you loss. Dad just passed away on Saturday. Mom and Dad are together again with your Dad and Mom. My guess is they are already celebrating
Christopher Wasko
February 28, 2021
Christopher Wasko
February 28, 2021
Christopher Wasko
February 28, 2021
Christopher Wasko
February 28, 2021
Christopher Wasko
February 28, 2021
I always proudly display nostalgic Mr. Norm´s Dodge emblems and license plate frame on my Mopar muscle cars. And have been for over 20 years now! I would see Norm almost every year at the Chrysler at Carlisle weekend event held in hot July. We´ll miss you Norm; RIP in Mopar heaven. Next time your fans are out with their rides, light-em-up one more time for Norm.
Jeffrey Klawitter Sr
February 28, 2021
Norm was simply a great person. I came to know him through my son Jeff who worked with Mr. Norm and crew. The automotive world lost an innovator and a pioneer. Rest in peace Norm, as you will always be remembered by the Klawitter family, especially on my granddaughter Madison's birthday, which Norm and Fran drove down from Chicago to attend when she was a little child. That meant the world to me and I'll never forget that. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kraus family at this most difficult time.
Jeff and Marti Klawitter Sr & Family
Alan Friday
February 28, 2021
So sorry to hear this. The family is in my prayers during this sad time. Mr. Norm has been an inspiration to me for so many years , I've always been into Mopar cars.
Lynn
February 27, 2021
Im so sorry too hear about the loss of your dad, my deepest sympathy to you all. Lynn and Greg Morand
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