Norris Eugene Peterson, 85, of Bowman ND passed away the evening of Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Southwest Health, Bowman ND. Funeral services for Norris will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 28 at Bowman Lutheran Church with Pastors Galen Strand and Chuck Swanson officiating. Burial will be in the Beach Lutheran Cemetery around 2:00 p.m., friends are welcome.
Norris was born on June 26, 1924 to Peter and Gertie (Nomeland) Peterson at the Johnstone Memorial Hospital of Beach ND. Norris married Betty Lou Abraham on July 7, 1948. They have four children Noreen Elichuk, Marsha Peterson, Allan Peterson and Rodney Peterson; eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Norris had two sisters, Polly Temanson and Bea Hudson and one brother, Obert Peterson.
Norris directed and was heavily involved in numerous organizations within Bowman all of which earned him numerous accolades. He was the superintendent of the Bowman Lutheran Sunday School, was treasurer for Bowman Lutheran Church and remained active as a charter member of the Bowman Rotary Club (1968). He enjoyed being a fifty-year member of the Bowman Community Chorus, and performed in several community musicals including landing a leading role in Showboat. He served on the committee representing Bowman Lutheran Church for the Sunset Home project in 1978 with continued involvement in the Sunset Home to 1986. He served several years on the Bowman County Fair board, participated in Bible studies, took the Dale Carnegie course, and was on the first board formed when the Southwest Water project was brought to Bowman County.
Norris enjoyed his family, neighbors, friends, camping, sports, fishing, and his yard. Norris, Betty with George and Caroline Weiler co-owned the Tastee Freez for five years, while Norris had his full time job as a Farmers Union Insurance agent. He and Betty made it to their children's school events including all home and away games, band and chorus concerts, and summer band trips. Norris enjoyed numerous family camping adventures to the Black Hills of South Dakota. He would rarely pass up an opportunity to go fishing with friends and family. He kept up his garden and yard that is full of color and admired by all. As their grandchildren grew, Norris and Betty sent handmade Christmas Ornaments made of common household materials for 12 years. Norris enjoyed watching Vikings football and Twins baseball to include attending the opening game of the 1987 World Series in the HHH Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN. And with a slight twist of the arm, he would have time to play a game of cards with friends, neighbors and family.
Norris is survived by his wife Betty, his children Noreen (Terry) Elichuk of Eden Prairie, MN, Marsha Peterson of Eden Prairie, MN, Allan (Cindy) Peterson of Moses Lake, WA, Rodney (Janet) Peterson of Frederick, MD, eight grandchildren, one grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews that he cherished deeply
Norris is preceded in death by his Mother and Father Gertie and Peter Peterson, his sisters Polly Temanson and Bea Hudson and his brother Obert Peterson.