Bjarne Norstog

Bjarne (Barney) Norstog passed away peacefully at his home in Fargo, North Dakota. He was the son of Olaf and Marie Norstog and was born January 16, 1931, at the family farm three miles southwest of Watford City, North Dakota. Speaking only Norwegian, he started school in Watford City at the age of six. He graduated from Watford City High School in 1949, where he was active in music and athletics. After attending Concordia College and the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle, Bjarne entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and taught electronics. He later returned to the family farm, where he and his brother, Konrad, became partners in a farming and ranching operation.

Barney met the love of his life, Margaret (Peggy) Clauss, in 1962 while she was teaching high-school English with his sister, Maghnild, in Springfield, Ohio. They married in Springfield on March 2, 1963. They lived five miles south of Watford City and raised four children together: Krista, Jon, Ann Marie and Margrit.

Barney was a hard worker and loved his family. Through the years, Barney was active in various community organizations. He was Director of the Co-op Lumberyard, President of the McKenzie County Crop Improvement Association, Board Member of McKenzie Mutual Insurance and Board Member of First Lutheran Church. He was a member of the local flying club and was a licensed private pilot. Barney was also active in the Republican Party and ran for the 36th Legislative District of the House of Representatives in the 1960’s.

Barney and Peggy spent their winters enjoying warmer weather and activities in Arizona and Hawaii. Barney had several hobbies and interests, which included reading, golfing, whale-watching, tomato and rose gardening, playing pinochle, attending his children’s music and sporting activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Barney is survived by his wife, Peggy, and his children, Krista (Jeff) Leonard, Raleigh, NC; Jon (Laura) Norstog, Spokane, WA; Ann Marie Norstog (John Hatlestad) of Raleigh, NC; Margrit (James) Johannesson of Fargo, ND. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica Norstog, Ethan (Kelsey) Norstog, James Johannesson, Jr., Margrit (Alec) Staiger, Annaliese Norstog Hatlestad and Elizabeth Norstog Hatlestad. His great-grandchildren are Mathias and Emerson Norstog; and sister, Maghnild Madsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Marie Norstog; brother, Konrad Norstog; sister, Solveig Norstog; and brother-in-law, George Madsen.