Submitted by: Dan Rich
Gene M. Norris
June 25, 1917 - April 18, 2001
Gene M. Norris 83 of Mishawaka, passed away at 9:00 P.M. Wednesday April 18, 2001 in his residence.
Mr. Norris was born on June 25, 1917, in Sumatra, Montana to Raymond and Estelle Norris. He had lived in the South Bend / Mishawaka, area since 1919 with his father and brother Edward. He graduated from Riley High School in 1938.
He attended St. Edward's University of Austin, Texas, on an athletic scholarship and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1942. While attending St. Edward's, he was captain of the 1940 baseball team, sports editor of the St. Edward's newspaper, editor of the award winning year book, voted "Best Athlete" and "Best 'All-Round Man'", served as president of the Monogram Club, and was Vice President of his senior class.
On May 27, 1941, he married the "beautiful" Eleanor Doll. Gene joined the United States Navy in 1943 and was honorably discharged as full Lieutenant in 1947. While in the navy he attended Harvard University School of Business Administration. He served 21 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation at various locations including; Louisville, Newark, National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Chicago and South Bend. He received 18 written commendations from the late Director, J. Edgar Hoover. His career was highlighted by personally apprehending three of the FBI's 10 most wanted fugitives and assisting in the apprehension of another. He served his last 15 years in the South Bend agency where he was coined the nickname "Nifty" because of his impeccable dress. His career also included Instruction in the Forensic Sciences at Indiana University, Conducting all police training schools in North Central Indiana, Instruction at Indiana University within the school of public and Environmental Affairs, President of Norris Reports and director of Region I, Indiana Criminal Justice Agency. He was instrumental in organizing The Saint Vincent de Paul Society at St. Monica's Parish in 1957, and served as president for several years. He subsequently became active in the St. Joseph County St. Vincent de Paul Society and served as president of the conference which was responsible for the Sample Street store being built and dedicated in 1969. He was also active in Real Services.
Mr. Norris is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eleanor, four children; Raymond (Barbara) Norris of South Bend, Charlotte (Ray) Ganser of Mishawaka, Rex Norris of Mishawaka and Joseph (Mini) Norris of Granger. Ten grandchildren; Debra, Kimberly, Tammy, Gene, Tyrone, R. J., Eric, Heather, Kevin, Michele, 10 great-grandchildren; Heather, Tyler, Austin, Sydney, Lindsey, Madison Teige, Mackenna, Aubrey, & Parker.
Friends may call Sunday April 22, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral 505 W. 8th Street Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian
Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday April 23 in St. Monica's Catholic Church Mishawaka with Rev. Derrick Sneyd officiating.
Entombment will follow at Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum, Mishawaka. The Norris Family Requests that in Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 3408 Admore Trail, South Bend, IN 46601 or to St. Monica's Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545
His honor, integrity, moral character and love will be missed by his family and all that knew him.