Norman Panasuk

Funeral Services for Norman Panasuk, 61, of Plevna, MT will be 2:00 p. m. Saturday, October 20, 2007 in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker, MT with Pastor Bruce Kolasch officiating. Interment will follow at the family lot in Peace Lutheran Cemetery at Plevna. Visitation will be from 9:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. Friday, October 19, 2007 at the Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p. m. Norman passed away Monday evening, October 15, 2007 at his home in Plevna with his family at his side. He was diagnosed with cancer in February 2007, and began a very intense treatment regimen in March. He continued to provide his services to the community, only taking days off for family functions or so he and Vivian could travel to Billings for treatment. Norman fought his illness with incredible courage, strength, grace, and endless hope until the night he went to rest in Heaven. Norman Wayne Panasuk was born August 22, 1946 the son of John and Lena(Dirkach) Panasuk in Williston, ND. He grew up on the family farm andattended school in Bainville, MT. He graduated from high school in 1965. After the tragic car accident that took the lives of his mother, father, youngest brother and an uncle, Norman had to grow up faster then most. He continued to help on the family farm at Bainville while he attended Montana State University. In 1971 he graduated from college with a bachelors degree in Agriculture Education. On August 7, 1971 Norman married Vivian Figgins in Bainville, MT. He was welcomed to her family by Vivian?s parents Carl and Isla Mae who came to think of Norman as another son. Norman and Vivian moved to Plevna where they lived and raised their three daughters. During Norman’s years as a vo-ag and driver?s ed teacher he bought his first piece of equipment which started his custom combining service. In spite of Vivian?s apprehension about the debt, Norman convinced her that their next investment should be a backhoe. P & T Construction was born with the help of a good friend, and it later became Panasuk Construction. During their college and high school years his girls also helped with the family business, and worked side by side with him. By working seven days a week and many holidays, Norman and Vivian expanded their business to include trenching, backhoeing and water and sewer services. He would never say no to someone who needed his help, and would take on any challenge, especially if it involved lots of troubleshooting! More recently Norman formed another partnership with friend Gary Thielen calling it P & T Well Service. He was a member of the Plevna Volunteer Fire Department, served as an FFA Advisor and a member of the Peace Lutheran Church. Norman?s family was his pride and joy, and his grandchildren warmed his heart. Though he worked hard to provide for his family, he did take an occasional day off for family events and celebrations. He loved to get together to visit; and always had a new joke to tell, complete with that twinkle in his eyes as he revealed the punchline. He never knew a stranger and Vivian never knew who he may invite home for a meal or who would be out visiting in the shop. Norman also enjoyed showing people the John Deere memorabilia that he constructed from antique grain drills. He was so proud of his creations and had even been invited to display them at antique and toy shows. He gave many to friends and family as gifts from his heart and they are priceless possessions to those who received them. He is survived by his wife, Vivian, Plevna, MT; three daughters, Lisa(Kevin) Kuehn, Terry, MT, Jennifer (Cliff) Tudor, Plevna, MT and Amber(Donald) McDonald, Jordan, MT; a brother, David (Linda) Panasuk, Bainville,MT; and seven grandchildren, Trevor, Courtney, Alexandra, Chloe, Grace, Duncan, Sophia and one soon to be baby coming next April. He was preceded in death by his parents, youngest brother Robert, and his father and mother-in-law Carl and Isla-Mae Figgins.


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Burial Date: October 20, 2007
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: Saturday, Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT