Norman Lee , 87, Minot and former long time resident of the Hartland/Carpio area died Friday, August 22, 2008 in a Minot assisted living center.

Norman was born on April 25, 1921 on the family farm in Ree Township of Ward County near Hartland, ND to Matt J. and Emma A. (Foss) Lee. Norman grew up and lived all his life in the farming community where he graduated from Hartland High School in 1932 and continued his schooling with a year at North Dakota Agricultural College, now NDSU, in Fargo. As a young adult he was employed at a grocery store in Hartland and then began farming in that area.

Norman married Gladys Peterson on June 18, 1944, at First Lutheran Church in Carpio, ND. Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm near Hartland until 1985, when they moved to a farm east of Carpio. In addition to farming, he assisted others in construction/handywork projects in the off season. He continued farming until 1990, when he "retired," but remained involved in the farm. In 2003, following surgery and a severe illness, he and Gladys moved to Brentmoor of Minot.

Norman was a past member and held offices of the Hartland and Carpio Lutheran Churches and Ree Township Board of Directors. He was the Ree Township Assessor for 25 years and served on the Ree School Board. Norman was actively involved in 4-H for many years as a participant, leader, and extremely supportive spouse. He was a major contributor to the building and functioning of the Senior Citizens Center in Carpio, where he once held the office of President. Norman and Gladys served as caretakers of the Hartland Cemetery for more than 30 years.

Norman cherished the time spent with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His hobbies included: woodworking, reading, and playing pool.

Norman's loving family includes his wife of 64 years Gladys; children: Jane (Paul) McCullough of Scottsdale, AZ, Elaine (Paul) Lemmer of Portage, MI and Debra (Curt) Engelhard of Donnybrook; Grandchildren, Brian (Cherlyn) Burkett, Matt Burkett, Travis (Summer) Engelhard, Amy Engelhard, and Emily Engelhard; Step-grandchildren: Kelly (Laura) McCullough, Shawn Lemmer, Rachel (Matt) Erny, Michelle (Lon) Bouma, Dawnna Lemmer, P.J. (Kellie) Lemmer, Marya (Scott) Pennings; Great-Grandchildren: Austin and Samantha Burkett, and Isabel and Augustus Engelhard; Step-Great Grandchildren: Breanne, Shayley, and Quinn Lemmer, Emilee, Ashlyn, and Kailey Erny, Ethan and Ezra Bouma; Trinity and Owen Lemmer, and Julia Pennings; Brother: Oliver (Frances) Lee of Minot and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents,brother, John O. Lee (Marion), and sisters, Gladys (Harold) Wilson, Ruth (Mark) Rasper and Emma (Kenneth) Johnson.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, August 26,2008,at 10:00 a.m. in the Carpio Lutheran Church - Carpio.

Prayer Service: Monday, August 25, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Carpio Lutheran Church, Carpio;

Interment: Hartland Cemetery - rural Carpio, ND.

Visitation: Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot; at the church from 6:30 p.m. until the start of the family service and prior tothe funeral service.