Obituary of Norman Rapchalk
The Family of Norman Rapchalk sadly are announcing his passing on Feb 26th @ 11:45 pm at the Yorkton Reginal Hospital. He fell 15 minutes short of his 83rd Birthday.
Norman was born February 27, 1942, on the family farm southwest of Calder, Saskatchewan to Jack and Dora (nee Shullman) Rapchalk. While growing up on the family farm he received his education at the Torsk Community and Calder Schools.
In his younger days Norman was adventurous which led to him working jobs that varied from picking tobacco in Ontario, to working in the mines north of Flin Flon Manitoba. In his earlier years Norm also found success racing Artic Cat snowmobiles. His most told story was a race in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan where he won the race against an American Artic Cat team.
In the early 1960’s Norman trained as a welder and worked at Dumarr Industries in Regina, where he helped to build farm equipment. He loved to build and design equipment and was fortunate to be able help build an air tank with the first seeder metering equipment for a farmer near Regina. Norman was united in marriage to Jean Niebergall Oct 6, 1967, and were blessed with two sons, Jason and Trevor. Norman’s passion for farming took over and in 1978 he moved his family back to the Calder area to take over the family farm. He remained on the farm until 1997 when he and Jean sold and moved to the village of Calder. Even living in town Norman continued his agricultural practices and took to producing a variety or fruit such as apples, cherries and pears.
Norman loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and berry and mushroom picking. He could be frequently seen riding around on his quad and enjoying nature. Norman was also known to help with beaver dam problems in the area. This led to the development of his business, ZAR Blasting, with his friend, Richard Zazelenchuk. Norman and Jean lived in Calder until his passing.
Norman was predeceased by his parents Jack and Dora (nee Shullman) Rapchalk, Father-in-law Jack and Phylis (nee Keller) Niebergall, sister Lorraine and brother-in-law Ernie Adam, sister-in-Law Donna Fustey. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Jean; son Jason (Kim) and their children Caelin and Tristen; son Trevor and his children, Layla, Kyla and Jack; sister Gail and brother Jim Fustey. Brothers and Sisters in law, Richard (Iona) Niebergall, Arlene (Earl) Ludwig, and Ron (Jan) Niebergall. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
May He rest in Peace. A memorial service to celebrate Norman’s life will be held June 21 in Calder at the community Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation would be greatly appreciated.
