New Richmond:
(715) 243-5252  |  
River Falls:
(715) 425-8788

Butch Nork 01/03/2022

Emil Joseph “Butch” Nork, age 76 of New Richmond, WI, died on Monday, January 3, 2022, at his home near New Richmond. Butch was born the son of Emil and Nellie (Digangi) Nork on March 6, 1945, in Chicago, IL. He spent his childhood years in Winter, WI, moving to Park Falls, WI in sixth grade. Butch graduated from Park Falls High School with the class of 1963. He moved to Milwaukee, WI where he worked for Briggs and Stratton and Allis Chalmers. While in Milwaukee, Butch was reacquainted with and fell in love with Karen Borgen who was also from Park Falls, WI. They were married on February 4, 1964, at Peace Lutheran Church in Park Falls, WI. Butch joined the Army in May 1968 and served in Nelligan, Germany, Milwaukee, WI and Brocton, MA, retiring on December 31, 1999. Butch and Karen moved to New Richmond, WI in 2008 from their long-time home in Mukwonago, WI after Karen’s retirement. Butch enjoyed deer hunting and spending time at the family cabin in Northern Wisconsin. He was very proud of his service to his country. Butch was a man of strong conviction and was confident in his opinions. He was a man of Faith, a loyal and protective father and husband, who stood for what he believed in. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Nellie Nork, and brother, David Nork. Butch is survived by his wife, Karen Nork; children, Dan (Dana) Nork and Kelly Nork; grandchildren, Mara, Lillian, Hannah, and Hazel Nork; siblings, Charlotte (Robert) Jirschele and Dennis (Jane) Nork; his pets, Martha, Keeper and Elie; and nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. A Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 10, 2022, at 11 am at Christ Lutheran Church 510 Germain Street Somerset, WI. Visitation was also on Monday from 10-11 am at the church. Interment was in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

13 Comments

  • brett d larson Posted January 4, 2022 7:06 pm

    I remember all the times out at the shack for Deer Season . your smile and gift of gab will be missed . you always did the dishes , God Bless you my friend

    • Karen J Nork Posted January 11, 2022 3:58 pm

      Thank you Brett

  • DOUG HALBERG Posted January 5, 2022 12:34 pm

    Sorry sorry to hear of Butches passing. He was a Brother like figure at Christ Lutheran Church and he will missed by all .Take care Karen and MAY THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU AND THE WHOLE FAMILY. FRIEND AT CHRIST LUTHERAN.

    • Karen Nork Posted January 11, 2022 4:01 pm

      Thank you Doug.

  • Greg Jeffrey Posted January 6, 2022 7:46 am

    Sending love and prayers to you and your family! Remembering many of his stories and”life lessons” he provided when we got together, whether camping or in the neighborhood. He always had a smile on his face and a wonderful person! Honored to have met and shared many days with him and your family!

    • Karen J Nork Posted January 11, 2022 4:03 pm

      Thanks Greg. We sure did share some good times with you and your family

  • The Lange Family Posted January 9, 2022 4:08 am

    Truly sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. His smile, stories, and laughter filled my heart. We will continue to hold Karen and family in our prayers. Our sincere condolences, Julie, James, Ava, and Loretta Lange ~ your Christ Lutheran Church family.

    • Karen J Nork Posted January 11, 2022 4:04 pm

      Thanks for your concern and prayers Julie and family.

  • Norm Schmidt Posted January 10, 2022 10:11 am

    I have so many wonderful memories of Butch. He and my brother , Irv, and I had a little too much fun on occasion and while in high school we wrecked a friend’s car after spending the afternoon at “Zoobies Bar”. The three of us survived that and moved to Milwaukee together where we all found our future wives. We never lost touch. We talked every couple of months and I would always call Butch when I was making that 16 hour drive from Alabama to Wisconsin. He was always good for at least an hour of non stop talking and it made the ride so much easier. 😀

    He was my oldest and certainly one of my dearest lifetimes friends. He will be missed. Condolences and prayers for Karen and family.

    • Karen J Nork Posted January 11, 2022 4:07 pm

      Thanks Norm. I know how much Butch valued your friendship.

  • Amber Rae (Pritzl) Posted July 10, 2023 11:24 pm

    Hey Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss. My name is Amber, and I’m the granddaughter of Dee Pritzl, so it seems you’re my great aunt. Pardon for my reaching out this way—I haven’t been able to find a better way to get in touch—but I’m hoping to learn more about that side of my family, and I’d love to speak with you. You can reach me at heyamberrae@gmail.com. I hope to hear from you

  • Susan Hewitt Rhymes Posted September 20, 2023 3:48 pm

    Emil Nork sr . was our milk man in the1960s when I lived in Draper with my family .God bless you all and I hope to see you in Heaven .

  • Susan Hewitt Rhymes Posted September 20, 2023 4:41 pm

    I forgot Emil Sr would also call me Kiddo

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *