Norman Eugene Sondrol
Norman Eugene Sondrol passed away peacefully at the Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, N.D., on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
Norman was born April 27, 1937, in Watford City to Ernest and Dorothy Sondrol. He attended school in Watford City where he graduated in 1955. While in high school he was involved with band and played on the basketball team. Following high school, he attended Dickinson State College. In his senior year of high school, Norman met and fell in love with Marlene Bischke whom at the time was teaching second grade in the Watford City school system. They married in Parshall, N.D., on June 20, 1956, and lived in Watford City. Norman and Marlene had four children: Kevin, Wendy, Steven and Mitchell.
Norman was a hard worker and loved his family. He worked in the farming and energy industries. In September of 1959, the Sondrol family moved to Stanton, N.D. He worked for a road contractor on construction of Interstate 94. In April of 1960, the family moved to Tioga, N.D., where Norman worked for Signal Oil and Gas at the Tioga gas plant. A dream he had was to build his own house. While in Tioga, he did just that. He also commented that he did it once and never wanted to do that again! They spent 10 years in Tioga and then moved back to Watford City, where he began farming the family farm. He continued farming and growing the family farm until his retirement.
Norman had many interests that he enjoyed when not working the farm. He and Marlene joined a square-dancing club which met in the basement of their home. He enjoyed playing Pinochle and Texas Hold’em with the guys, as well as bowling league during the winter months. Norman was an avid golfer for many years. He and Marlene very much enjoyed golfing trips to the Black Hills with their special friends. They also reserved time for friends from Tioga with annual trips to Las Vegas.
Norman had a high interest in aviation. He earned his private pilot license and joined a local flying club. He enjoyed flying locally and continually honing his pilot skills. He and Marlene took a few trips with friends that took them as far as south Texas. Norman enjoyed big game hunting and fishing trips with friends to Canada. He also very much enjoyed annual pheasant and deer hunting, with stories abound from the hunting parties. He had a passion for sports cars that only intensified in his later years.
Norman and Marlene spent winters enjoying warmer weather and activities in Harlingen, Texas, and later in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Norman continued to winter in Lake Havasu City through the winter of 2024.
Norman is survived by his daughter, Wendy (Allen) Luckow; son, Steven (Diane); nine grandchildren, Brant (Jackie) Luckow, Jared Luckow (Jamie), Travis (Anne) Luckow, Austin Sondrol (Abigail), Crystal Sondrol (Nick), Branson Sondrol (Claudia), Jessica (Rudolph) Oswald, Damon Sondrol, and Chastity Hughes (Kyle); eleven great-grandchildren; and sisters, Karen (Al) Berg, Sharon Stashuk and Judy Wold.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; sons, Kevin and Mitchell; parents, Ernest and Dorothy Sondrol; infant sister, Mildred; brother, Leroy; sisters, Pearl Swenson and Maxine Nelson; as well as brothers-in-law, Lynn Swenson and Niel Nelson.
Funeral Services for Norman were held on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D., with Minister Matthew Rolfson officiating. A luncheon followed services at First Lutheran Church for a time of fellowship and sharing. Norman was laid to rest at Schafer Cemetery in Watford City, N.D. Visitation was held on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City, N.D., and one hour prior to services at the church. The service was livestreamed directly on Norman’s obituary page on the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home website. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.