Norman L. Lakoduk, 87, of Butte, ND passed away Monday, September 28, 2026 at his home under the care of hospice. A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, followed by a 2:00 p.m. Celebration of Life at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Butte. Burial will be held at the Butte Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Butte American Legion Post #0270 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Honorary Urn Bears: Jim Manogue, Wally Johnson, Eric Mountain, Rambo Semaken, Lonnie Sipary, Cleatus, and all of Norman’s nephews.

Norman L. Lakoduk was born on July 24, 1939, in Anamoose, North Dakota. He was raised in Butte, North Dakota, and on the family farm north of Butte. He graduated from Butte High School in 1959.

In January 1960, Norman proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, serving until 1965. During his military service, he traveled to many ports and foreign countries, including Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, Formosa, and Hong Kong. His years in the Marines were an important part of his life and reflected his adventurous spirit, dedication, and strong work ethic.

After his military service, Norman returned to North Dakota, where he worked building roads and in construction throughout the state.

In the 1970s, Norman moved to Alaska, beginning a new chapter of his life that would last approximately 40 years. He worked in construction and as a mechanic, traveling and working in many towns and villages throughout Alaska. He embraced the Alaskan lifestyle and made many lasting friendships and memories along the way.

Although Alaska became an important part of Norman's life, he never lost his connection to North Dakota and the family farm. While living in Alaska, he purchased the family farm north of Butte. In 2011, he returned to North Dakota to live on the farm and enjoy the land that had been part of his life since childhood.

Norman had a great love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in both Alaska and North Dakota, especially when those adventures were shared with family and friends. Many special memories were made through time spent outdoors together.

Norman is survived by his children, Gail and Rick Gruenberg of Minot; Rick and Dianne Nechiporenko of Fargo; Jim and Danna Nechiporenko of Center; and Karla and Jon Fish of Delton, Michigan.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Autumn (Jerry) Johnson of Grand Junction, Colorado; Kristopher of JBLM McChord, Washington; KC (Zack) Vandemark of Velva, North Dakota; Cody Nechiporenko of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Katie Nechiporenko of West Fargo, North Dakota; Jeremy (Claire) Nechiporenko of Phoenix, Arizona; and Ben (Kourtney) Nechiporenko of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Madison, Nevaeha, Aria, Jeremiah (Talon), Everlee, Noah, Patrick, Paislee, Stormee, Nathan, Zoe, Charlie, Anna, Ivy, Mila, Jameson, Raul, and Luka, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla; his son, Curtis; his brother, Moses; his sisters, Margaret and Joanne; his niece, Carmen Enerson; and his nephews, Jason Enerson and Bruce Larson.

Norman will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, his years of service as a Marine, and his deep connection to his family and the land he called home. From the family farm in North Dakota to the remote towns and villages of Alaska, Norman lived a life filled with hard work, travel, friendship, hunting, fishing, and family. The memories he created with those who knew and loved him will remain a lasting part of his legacy.