Norris Dean “Punk” Kerkhof

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Norris Dean “Punk” Kerkhof, 85, Greenfield, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at Hancock Regional Hospice. He was born on September 26, 1930, as the son of Lawrence and Leone Kerkhof.

Norris graduated from Maxwell High School in 1948. After high school, he attended Purdue University where he was a member of the Purdue Glee Club. He married Jacqueline Eva Willard on November 12, 1949, at the home of James and Helen Willard. Norris was a farmer for 67 years and he was the owner of Ag-B Inc. from 1964 to 1980. He was Chief Pilot and Director of Operations for Royal Airways in Naples, Fla. He was also a charter pilot for Shelbyville and Franklin airports, Dura Charter and Royal Airways. Punk was a certified instructor for private, commercial and instrument pilot licenses and this was one of his most rewarding passions.

He built a home in Bonita Springs, Fla. in 1979, then in 2001 he relocated his winter home to Arcardia, Fla. where he and his wife have enjoyed the company of their friends and the sunshine at Desoto Village.

Norris is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Kerkhof of Greenfield; sons, James (Christl) Kerkhof and Raymond (Pam) Kerkhof, both of Greenfield; daughter, April (Max) St. Jago of Greenfield; sister, Martha Jane (Gene) Crider of Greenfield; brother-in-law, Dr. James E. (Patricia) Willard of Frankfort, Ill.; five grandchildren, Kelly (Kevin) Holmon of Haydon, Co., Kevin (Amanda) Kerkhof of Lafayette, Brandi (Brandon) Albea of Lebanon, Chad (Lisa) Kerkhof and Nickolas (Melanie) Kerkhof, both of Greenfield; thirteen great-grandchildren, Tyler, Owen, Alexis, Charlie, Allison, Harper, Ellen, Megan, Rowan, Aimery, Gideon, Cyrus and Henrick; and several nieces and nephews.

Norris is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Leone Kerkhof; in-laws, James and Helen Willard; great-granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Kerkhof; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Patricia (Don) Vail and Genieve (Jack) Vail.

We appreciate all the prayers and kind words shared during this time. We would like to express our gratitude to the emergency staff, the ICU staff, the hospice staff, Dr. Gardner, Dr. Failinger and Dr. Hittle for the loving care you gave Punk and our family. God bless all of you.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 26, also at the mortuary. Pastor David Woods will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent directly to the Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation, Attn: Hospice, 801 N. State St., Greenfield, IN 46140, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.

Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].