Norman Birkeland, age 91, of Sheyenne, ND, died Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford, ND.

Norman Birkeland was born April 10, 1925, in Hillsdale Township, rural Sheyenne, the son of Olaf and Mary Elizabeth (Dailey) Birkeland.  He grew up on the family farm and attended school at Benson County Agricultural School, Maddock, ND, graduating in 1943. After high school, Norman began farming on the family farm.

Norman married Marlys Pauline Ploium on January 18, 1947, at Sheyenne Lutheran Parsonage. Pastor G.W. Mathre officiated at the ceremony. Norman and Marlys moved to the Birkeland family farm east of Sheyenne to begin their life together. They lived in the “bunkhouse” for a short period of time until a new home was built on the farmstead. As their family grew, they moved into the family farmhouse and remained living there until moving to the Lake County Manor in Devils Lake in the fall of 2014. Marlys died February 16, 2016.

Norman served on the Equity Elevator Board, Community Credit Union Board and Township Board, was selected as an Agriculturist of the Year for Eddy County, had served as a 4-H Leader, and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and had served on the Church Council. He was also very involved in the Sheyenne community.

In his early years, Norman enjoyed bowling, fishing, and hunting, but always 2nd to farming! His family remembers him as a hard-working, humble man. He loved spending time with his family, and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sporting events.

Norman is survived by his daughters, Carol (Joe) Teel, Sheyenne, Mary (Glenn) Walz, New Rockford, and Barbara (Steve) Messner, Sheyenne; his sons Allen (Janice), Warwick, Dan (Karen), Sheyenne, and Bruce (Kim), Baldwin, ND; his 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. Also his 2 brothers, Duane Birkeland, Sherwood, OR, Myron Birkeland, Pelican Rapids, MN; 2 sisters, Beverly Soderholm, Sheyenne, Mary Ellen Rue, New Rockford; and numerous nieces and nephews.

PRAYER SERVICE:

Grace Lutheran Sunday at 7PM in Grace Lutheran Church Sheyenne

FUNERAL SERVICE:

Monday, Nov. 7th at 2:00PM in Grace Lutheran Church Sheyenne, ND  

BURIAL:

Riverside Cemetery, Sheyenne, ND