Norma Marie Vasichek

Norma Vasichek, 87, Michigan, ND, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Norma Marie Kroke Vasichek was born on September 10, 1938, at home in Melvin Township, south of Michigan, North Dakota, to Thorney and Theresa (Byrne) Kroke. She was one of thirteen children raised in a three-bedroom farmhouse, where she learned early the values of family, love and togetherness.

Norma met Jim Vasichek of Brocket, ND, at a dance in Petersburg, and they were married on November 14, 1956. Together they raised four children: Jay, Laurie, Jeff, and Jill.

After farming for several years, Jim and Norma set out on a new adventure, moving to Portage la Prairie, Canada, with their young son Jay. There they built and operated the Laundry Queen, which opened just two weeks after the birth of their second child, Laurie.

In 1963, the family returned to Michigan, North Dakota, where Jeff and Jill were born. Jim and Norma purchased Michigan Implement, a John Deere dealership. The business was later acquired by their son Jay and is now operated as Leading Edge Equipment by their grandson, Jim.

At Michigan Implement, Norma worked for many years in the parts department, where she brought order and organization to the inventory. Norma and Jim were deeply civic-minded. Norma became the first woman in Michigan, North Dakota, to hold elected office when she was elected to the Michigan Park Board. She also taught CCD, served on the Catholic Church Council, was a den mother, an active member of the Democratic-NPL Party, and chaired Governor Guy’s re-election committee for Nelson County.

Norma was an accomplished seamstress and an adventurous cook. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, and she worked hard to make every Christmas special for her children, then her grandchildren, and ultimately her great-grandchildren.

The saddest days of Norma’s life were the death of her son Jeff from cancer in 2013, and the loss of her husband Jim in 2020. Norma and Jim were a fun and loving couple, always kissing each other goodnight when they were under the same roof—even during the occasional spat.

When asked which readings she would like included on her funeral cards or during the Mass, Norma included the following poem, which seems better suited here. It’s very Norma—truthful, funny, a little sharp, and deeply grounded in lived experience:

“Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater.

Give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby.

Give her a house, she’ll give you a home.

Give her groceries, she will give you a meal.

Give her a smile, she will give you her heart.

She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.

So, give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of sh*t.”

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her son, Jeff; and her siblings and in-laws: Forrest Kroke, Bea Kroke, Darby Kroke, Toby Berdahl, Jeanne Vasichek, Neil Kroke, Otis Kroke, Tom Vasichek, and Bob Vasichek.

She is survived by her children: Jay (Maria) Vasichek of Michigan, North Dakota; Laurie Vasichek of Minneapolis, MN; Jill West (John), of Minneapolis, and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Vasichek (Bernie Fleck) of Bismarck, ND. She is also survived by seven grandchildren—Jim Vasichek, Christina Bata, Alex Vasichek, Nicole Hochhalter, Kyle West, Josh West, and Adam Vasichek—and ten great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by eight siblings, along with their spouses and children, and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, their children and grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Michigan Cemetery for the planting of additional trees or the Michigan Revitalization Fund to support the continued rejuvenation of Michigan.

Sympathy cards can be mailed to: Family of Norma Vasichek, Box 199, Michigan, ND 58259.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, Michigan, ND.

The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, Michigan, ND, with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M.

Private family burial will take place at The Michigan Cemetery, at a later date.