Norman Haase

Norman Haase, 81, of Williston, N.D., died at CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Williston early Thursday morning, April 11, 2024.

Born in Plentywood on May 29, 1942, to Curt and Lenore Haase (Knutson), his life was one of adventure, passion and unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Raised in Homestead, his love for basketball flourished during his high school years at Medicine Lake High School, where he graduated in 1960. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education at Montana State University - Billings from 1960 to 1961, laying the foundation for a life filled with learning and growth.

In the course of his life, he crossed paths with Betty Nortan, his first wife, in St. Louis, Mo. Their union in 1965 brought forth the joy of parenthood with the birth of their son, Sean Curtis, in 1966.

However, it was in Terre Haute, Ind., where he met Ginger Chrisman, setting the stage for a profound and enduring partnership. They were married Oct. 15, 1970, and son, Michael Shannon, was born in 1971. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them to Ohio and Indiana before their hearts found solace in the embrace of Montana. Settling on the Haase family farm in Homestead in 1973, they embraced rural life, welcoming their daughter Stacie Elizabeth shortly after.

In 1976, the family moved to Culbertson, where they ran a beloved restaurant and expanded their family with the arrival of Amanda Jo in 1979. Their hospitality and warmth touched many lives until they relocated to Wolf Point in early 1991 to oversee the Riverview Group Home.

Continuing their entrepreneurial spirit, he and Ginger ventured to Williston, N.D., in 1998, where they established Ginger’s Café, with son Mike and his wife Amy. Despite the restaurant’s closure in May 2009, his dedication to serving Christ by loving others remained steadfast as he embarked on his greatest ministry, The Refuge.

He was a pillar of strength and support for his family, weathering the storms of life with grace and resilience.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ginger; and his brothers, Rollin and Wayne.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie Haase; children, Sean Haase, Mike Haase, Stacie Wetzstein and Amanda Salmon; siblings, Dolores, Rosalyn, Donald and Kenneth; 21 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

His funeral service was held Tuesday, April 23, at the Liberty Evangelical Free Church in Williston. Pastor Brian Martin officiated. Interment in Riverview Cemetery followed.