Leigh Robert Norskog

Leigh Robert Norskog passed away in the early hours of August 18, 2025 .  He was born July 30, 1937 to Julius Norskog and Mina Hermanson Norskog in Spring Grove, MN.  When he was in his Senior year of high school, he moved to Livingston, MT where he met his lifelong love, Thelma Hetherington.  They were together 70 years before his passing, and they would have been married 67 years in September.

 

Leigh was a medic in the Navy, stationed with the Marines in Okinowa from 1959 to 1963.  After he left the Navy, he moved his family of three, Thelma and daughter Lorrie to Billings.  Twins Michael and Marty were born in Billings before Leigh moved the family to Missoula where they stayed.

 

Leigh worked in the lumber industry for the majority of his working years.  He retired so that he and Thelma could travel and enjoy their retirement.

 

He was a lifelong fan of the Dodgers, Lakers and Rams teams because they all were at one time in Minnesota.  One of his favorite memories was being at a Dodgers/Phillies game in Los Angeles in 1978 when they had their dream team, and watching Tommy LaSorta kick dirt on the umpire’s foot.  

 

Leigh was a man of very deep faith and he instilled that in his family.  He was a Deacon at Trinity Baptist Church for years and lead countless bible studies and Sunday School classes.  We all have great peace knowing that he is now with his Savior and his family that went before him.

 

He counted himself very blessed that he was able to attend a family reunion with his sons in Spring Grove in June, 2025 and saw so many of his family, including cousins he didn’t know he had.

 

Leigh is survived by his wife of 67 years, Thelma, his daughter Lorrie (Darold) Biltoft, sons Michael (Lisa) Norskog and Marty Norskog.  He is survived by his grandchildren Melissa Hanson, Cathy (Zane) Pocha, Bryant Norskog, Preston Norskog and Marissa Norskog and his Great Grandchildren Maycie and Freya Pocha as well as much loved cousins, nieces and nephews.   

 

Leigh was preceded in death by his father, Julius and his mother Mina, his brothers Merlin, Odell, Gerry, Don Norskog and David Amunrud, and his sisters Ann Bratland, Nancy Barker and Jackie Varberg as well as his brothers and sisters-in-law.

 

He is much loved and will be missed until we see him again.