Norma Marie Kroke Vasichek

Norma Marie Kroke Vasichek, 87, of Michigan, North Dakota, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Born on September 10, 1938, at home in Melvin Township south of Michigan to Thorney and Theresa (Byrne) Kroke, Norma was one of thirteen children raised in a three-bedroom farmhouse. There she learned early the values of family, love, and togetherness. She met Jim Vasichek of Brocket at a dance in Petersburg, and they married on November 14, 1956. Together they raised four children: Jay, Laurie, Jeff, and Jill.

After several years of farming, Norma and Jim moved to Portage la Prairie, Canada, with their young son Jay and opened the Laundry Queen, which began operation just two weeks after the birth of their daughter Laurie. In 1963 the family returned to Michigan, North Dakota, where Jeff and Jill were born. They purchased Michigan Implement, a John Deere dealership later acquired by their son Jay and now operated as Leading Edge Equipment by their grandson Jim. Norma worked for many years in the parts department, bringing order and organization to the inventory.

A civic-minded woman, Norma became the first woman in Michigan, North Dakota, to hold elected office when she was elected to the Michigan Park Board. She taught CCD, served on the Catholic Church Council, acted as a den mother, remained active in the Democratic-NPL Party, and chaired Governor Guy’s re-election committee for Nelson County. An accomplished seamstress and adventurous cook, she cherished Christmas most of all and poured her heart into making the holiday special for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and Jim shared a loving, affectionate marriage, always kissing each other goodnight—even after the occasional disagreement.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her son, Jeff; and several siblings and in-laws. She is survived by her children Jay (Maria) Vasichek of Michigan, North Dakota; Laurie Vasichek of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jill West (John) of Minneapolis; and daughter-in-law Brenda Vasichek (Bernie Fleck) of Bismarck, North Dakota; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; eight surviving siblings and their families; and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law and their descendants.