Konrad Norstog
Konrad “Konnie” Prestangen Norstog passed away peacefully on March 17, 2019, in Shell Lake, Wisc. A Celebration of Life service was held on May 4, at Schafer Cemetery in Watford City, N.D., and was officiated by his special cousin, Jamie Norstog.
Konnie was born on May 6, 1928, to Olaf and Marie Norstog in Schafer Township of North Dakota, where his parents were farming at the time. He was raised on the family farm his parents established, located three miles southwest of Watford City, N.D. Konnie continued to reside in Watford City in a modern log cabin he built on the site of the original family home until 2018.
Konnie graduated from Watford City High School in 1946, and then attended North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo. He later returned to Watford City to begin farming operations with his brother, Bjarne. They continued to have a strong bond and operation which continued for over 30 years.
Through the years Konnie was very active in wildlife and conservation organizations. He served as the local president and national officer of the National Wildlife Federation and was one of the founders of the North Dakota Landowner Sportsman Council.
Konnie was a long-time, active member of First Lutheran Church and served in various capacities, such as board officer, congregation president, and a member of the choir for decades. He also was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, serving many years as the scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster. Additionally, Konnie served for eight years on the board of the Northwest Human Resource Center.
Konnie was an active sportsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing and skiing. He taught his nieces and nephew how to ski and took them on family ski trips to Terry Peak in South Dakota and Red Lodge in Montana, as well as fishing excursions to his favorite places in western North Dakota.
After living as a bachelor for 60-plus years, Konnie married Rev. Sharon Grahn on Sept. 8, 1990. They lived on the family farm until 2018, after which they moved to Shell Lake, Wisc.
In 1992, Konnie received the NDSU Farmer of the Year award and retired from farming in 1995. He then became involved with Sharon’s activities in stock dog trials, raising litters of puppies and participating in dog trialing throughout the nation with her, eventually leading them to host the “Best of the Badlands Sheepdog Trials” at their homesite. Through the years, they raised Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and Border Terriers.
Konnie was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Marie Norstog; and his sister, Solveig “Vicki” Norstog. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Norstog of Shell Lake, Wisc; brother and sister-in-law, Bjarne and Peggy Norstog of Fargo, N.D.; sister and brother-in-law, Magnhild “Muggs” Madsen and George Madsen of Sioux City, Iowa; one daughter; two step-children; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Konnie will be remembered most for his time, service, and care that he gave to his community and family throughout his 90 years on this earth. Barney and Peggy, Krista and Jeff, Jon and Laura, Ann and John, Meg and James, and their families appreciated his love and kindness throughout the years and were blessed by having him in their lives. He will be greatly missed by the Norstog and Prestangen families.