Norman Staal
Funeral services for Norman Staal, Jr., 68, of Watford City, N.D., were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2011, at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D. Rev. Timothy Swenson and Intern Pastor Rob Favorite officiated, and interment was held at Farland Cemetery, rural Arnegard.
Norman Edwin Staal, Jr., “Jr.”, was born during the World War II era in Tacoma, Wash., on March 16, 1943, to Norman, Sr. and Margaret (Lee) Staal, as his father was serving in the military at the time. His mother returned to the Arnegard area shortly after, where he was raised and educated at rural country schools. He was raised in the Lutheran Faith and was confirmed at Garden Lutheran Church. At an early age, Jr. started working on area ranches and found a passion with the western “cowboy style” of living. He enjoyed helping trail bucking horses to area rodeos in his younger days.
Jr. was united in marriage to Lois Burr in Sidney, Mont. on Nov. 7, 1963. They made their first home in Watford City for a time, and then lived on the various ranches where he worked. Together they raised their three children: Barb, Michael and Shawn. In 1971, Jr. and Lois moved to Ideal Township, southwest of Watford City, where they raised cattle until the time of his death. It was nothing to see Dad out early in the morning mending fences and on into the evening finishing up the day’s work. He would drop anything he was doing to help a friend, and his friends did the same for him. Dad loved all aspects of the ranch life. He especially enjoyed having his family come and help, and always planned a full day of it. Jr. was a member of the Long X Wagon Train, the Arnegard Lions Club and the North Dakota Stockman’s Association. He enjoyed haying, working with his cattle and horses.
Lois preceded Jr. in death on Oct. 29, 1995, at Bismarck, N.D.
He is survived by his children: Barb (Dean) Olson of Killdeer, N.D., and their children, Tanner and Ethan; Michael (Marie) Staal of Gillette, Wyo., and their children, Lathan, Dalton and Shaleigh; Shawn (Kari) Staal of Watford City and their children, Braden and Wyatt, and a great granddaughter, Zoey Staal; brother, Larry (Tana) Staal, of Halliday, N.D., Marlene (Alvin) Wold, of Watford City, and Judy (Herb) Murie, of Arnegard, and many nieces and nephews. And a special friend, Judy Opsta, and her daughter, Jan (Mike) Lynch, and family, and her son, Jarrad (Tanya)Torstenson.
Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Lois.
Friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.