Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Norman VanTilburg
Norman E. "Norm" VanTilburg, 85, of Rockford, Ohio died peacefully December 15, 2025, surrounded by family, at Van Wert Manor in Van Wert, Ohio.
He was born September 28, 1940 in Rockford, Ohio, and was the son of the late Ralph and Alice (Wolfe) VanTilburg. On July 7, 1962 he married the former Deanne Hamilton, who survives.
Norm graduated from Mendon High School in 1958. He went on to Huntington College and graduated in 1962. After graduation Norm was a teacher at Parkway High School from 1962 until 1967. In 1967 Norm went back to college at the University of Oklahoma, earning his Master's degree in 1968. He taught Biology at Midpark High School in Middleburg Heights, Ohio from 1968 until 1974, when he returned to Parkway High School. Norm was the Principal at Parkway High School from 1974 until 1995. He also served as the Parkway Athletic Director from 1974 until 1985. Norm was an avid Parkway fan. After retirement he was a bus driver for Parkway for years. He also attended as many Parkway events as he was able to.
In addition to his love of all things Parkway, Norm had other areas of special interest. He was a charter member, and President for several years, of the Shane's Crossing Historical Society. He was also a charter member of the Rockford Lion's Club. Norm was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He worked for Rockford Lumber after retirement. Norm and Deanne had a great group of friends. They enjoyed playing cards, going out to eat, and going on trips with their friends. Norm made a routine of meeting friends at Road Dog to drink coffee, then he would go on to the museum in Rockford to spend some time. Even with all of these activities, Norm loved spending time with his family most of all.
In addition to his wife Deanne, Norm is survived by a son, Rodney (Elizabeth) VanTilburg of Tipp City, Ohio; a daughter, Vicki (Dan) Kruse of Columbus, Indiana; his brother, Richard "Dick" (Rebecca) VanTilburg of Celina, Ohio; a sister, Joan Hunt of New Mexico; five grandchildren, Jessica (Tad) Kilburn, Nick (JoAnna) Kruse, Sarah VanTilburg, Ethan (Sarah) VanTilburg, and Jacob VanTilburg; three great grandchildren, Myles Kilburn, Lane Kilburn, Ryan Kruse; a step great grandson, Ian Ullrich; with a great grandson due in February, and a great granddaughter due in March; and several nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Norm was preceded in death by his sister and brother in law, Jennelle and Richard "Dick" Brown; a brother in law, Dennis Hunt; and a brother in law and sister in law, Larry (Betty) Hamilton.
Norm's family would like to extend their thanks for the wonderful care and kindness provided by staff of Everheart Hospice, Celina Manor, and Van Wert Manor.
Memorial services will be held 12:00 pm Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Rockford United Methodist Church, 202 South Franklin Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882, with Pastor Bill Halter officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.
The family will receive friends prior to the memorial service, Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Rockford United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Norm's memory to Shane's Crossing Historical Society, P. O. Box 282, Rockford, Ohio 45882, the Cancer Association of Mercer County, P. O. Box 624, Celina, Ohio 45822, or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.
Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.
