Norman Eugene Audas

Norman described his early days with his brothers as meager and remembered his mother walking three little boys to church. Norman grew up to work very hard, graduating from North High School in Des Moines, Ia and then Arizona State University. Norman was a professional civil engineer. Norman and Annette made their home in Kansas City on Blue River Road. They both worked hard to build the Blue River Products business. Outside of work, and church one of their favorite things to do was cruise. They went on 74 cruises and a trip around the world for their 50th anniversary. Norman has been planning the final resting place for him and Anette for many years in Grinnell, Iowa. He constructed a granite mausoleum. The supporting base was constructed out of Rockville Granite to match the mausoleum base. He wanted the main part of the bench to be massive and impressive, so he got the density of the granite and did the dimensional designing to make the top piece turn out to be one ton. Norman’s final memorial project was the Anderson Memorial Library at Ankeny Baptist Church in Iowa. One of the most special times of Norman’s life was the 64 days he spent with his only Grandson Richard Audas. Norman’s birthday occurred during that time and little Richard with the help of his mother Kristen Audas, gave Norman a birthday card which was very special to him. Norman saved the card all these years and asked to have it be buried with him.

In a letter Norman shared in 2017, he wrote what he wanted his obituary to say.

Someday Norman will lie in state just as so many of his friends have already done. People will look at me and some might say something like, “he sure looks natural”, or “he was always trying to help someone in need” or “He was as useless as a $4-dollar bill.”

Here is his true obituary: Here lies the remains of Norman Audas. He trusted God so he is walking on the streets of gold as we read about in Rev 21:4. Just as a snake shed it old skin for a new one, that is what you see before you. Norman has shed his old skin and now has life everlasting. No more death, no more pain, no more grieving. Forever Life is just beginning for him. No more scooter or struggling to get to my car. He can see Jesus clearly with his right eye.

Norman was in the hospital after a fall on December 20th and went to Hilltop at Blue River for rehabilitation. Despite fighting the good fight, his was not able to regain his strength. He was ready for the Lord to take him home.

11 Timothy 4-7

I have fought the food fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

He is survived by his wife Annette Audas, son Greg Audas, daughter Catherine Audas and brother Jerry Audas and nieces Deborah Audas Marsha Gaddis (Jeff) and great nephew Elliot

Norman and Annette had many foster children, and Chis was one who was very special and stayed in touch with them as an adult. Norman will be missed by his church family and many friends and business associates.

Norman is preceded in death by his brother Tom Audas, his mother Juanita Calvert, grandson, Richard Audas and daughter in law Kristen Audas.

Floral Hills Funeral Home in Kansas City is making arrangements.

A funeral service for Norman will be held Monday, February 19, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Olivet Baptist Church, 4901 Mission Rd, Westwood, KS 66205.

Norman's final resting place will be at Westfield Cemetery in Grinnell Iowa.