Norman Galpin

Norman Galpin, 79, of Pleasantville, IA passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2018 in Des Moines at Lutheran Hospital. Norman was born to the late Floyd Franklin Galpin and Nellie Galpin on December 9, 1938 in Altoona, IA. He left high school early to enlist in the Navy in 1956. Norman served for three years and was an undefeated member of the Navy Boxing Club. Norman wed Judith Mae Schlosser of Prairie City, IA in 1961. They were married for 24 years. He wed Karla Fallis in 1999. They were married for 13 years.

In 1961, Norman began an auto-racing career with a sprint car he built with his older brother Jerry. At his peak, Norman placed fifth in the 1965 Knoxville Nationals and was second in points for the season. In 1992 he was inducted into the Knoxville Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Norman worked as a meat cutter at Des Moines-area companies like Filands, Ammons, and Allied, as well as a custom butcher. He was skilled in breaking and training horses, organic farming, welding, and construction. In 1972, Norman built a house with his own hands on 10 acres in Pleasantville, IA where he raised his beloved family and lived for the rest of his life. He will be remembered for his love of his family, strength, kindness, honesty, work ethic, and continued support of veterans through the Wounded Warrior organization. He was a good friend to many in Pleasantville, Iowa, and will be missed.

Norman is survived by his sons Scott Galpin of Pleasantville, IA, Jim Galpin and his wife Jennifer Galpin of Upland, CA; his daughter Laura Dawn Murphy, her husband Daron Murphy, and their daughter Mona Elisabetta Murphy of Los Angeles, CA; his niece Diane Galpin of Des Moines, IA; and his sister-in-law Chris Galpin of Des Moines, IA.

He was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Galpin of Des Moines, IA.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 8, at 11am at the Memorial Hall in Pleasantville, IA.

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