Norman “Tyke” Lauri has left our world, to enjoy a permanent fishing trip with our Lord.
Norman, age 84, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013, after sustaining head injuries when he fell on the ice at Canyon Ferry Lake while ice fishing.
Norman was born in a small house in Elliston, Montana, on February 5, 1929. He attended, and graduated from, Powell County High School’s class of 1947. During his years at Powell County High, he met Patricia Mullins, whom he thought was “one amazing girl”.
Right after high school, Norman volunteered and served proudly in the United States Air Force, and was deployed to the island of Guam during the Korean conflict. When the Air Force redeployed Norman to New York City, he decided the time was right, and asked that amazing girl to marry him.
Norman and Patricia were married in Deer Lodge, Montana, on February 23, 1952, and Norman protected and cherished Patricia every day of their 61 years together.
When his tour was completed, Norman and Patricia returned to Elliston, Montana, and created a home where everyone feels welcome.
Norman served his community in many different capacities, as he worked for Powell County’s road maintenance crew, owned “Lauri’s General Store” in Elliston, and worked for the Montana State Highway maintenance crew. His volunteer positions included the Elliston Volunteer Fire Department, the Elliston Cemetery Board, and the Elliston Church Board. He coached basketball, Legion baseball, and his loving servant heart touched people of all ages.
Norman is survived by his wife Patricia, his three children (Valarie Krause and her husband Rob of Helena, Montana; Randy Lauri and his wife Theresa of Boise, Idaho; and Lynnette Buchi and her husband Duane of Ulm, Montana); eight grandchildren (Sarah, Paul, Melanie, Tom, Megan, Brittany, Savannah, and Bridger); and two great-grandchildren, Tyke and Jasmine.
The funeral for Tyke will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Elliston School Gym.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Elliston Cemetery or the Elliston Church.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Lauri Sue Novotne says
Tyke was a wonderful person
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family
With all our love
Novotne’s
Cheryl Thomas says
We have lost the pillar of our little town, Tyke and Pat are so loved by everyone. Bruce and I send the family all our Love & Prayers.
God Bless,
Bruce & Cheryl
Joan Krause says
Pat and Tyke were the best friends we ever had. Our times together are so memorable and always filled with love and fun. My heart goes out to Pat and all of the family in their time of sorrow. Their faith in knowing of a heavenly spot for Tyke will ease their pain. With love, Joan
Denise Hayden says
Pat, so sorry to hear about Tyke. I always enjoyed Friday afternoons working at the Hofbrau.
You guy’s and the Marshall (BOY’S) always made my day!!! I have wonderful memories.
Love Denise
cindy ward says
Patsy and Tyke…..You have been in our lives forever it seems. At least since the day I (Cindy) was born..What wonderful memories we have of the both of you and Tyke, what a wonderful abundant pleasure I got from watching your garden grow and his guitar playing while the two of you singing worshiping the Lord..I will truely miss His Kind gentle way. Patsy You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers…at this time Standing in the Gap for you ALL in Prayer is the best I can do God is with YOU…We love you all.( from the original LP Herrin family), Joanne Beckwith, Cindy Ward, Beau and Ryan Ferris, Ronda Hart, Marvin Reichert .
Marilynn Barnes says
Dear Pat and Family,
What a shock to here of Tyke’s accident and passing. There are no words to say that can ease your pain and great loss at this time. May God wrap each of you in His loving arms and give you (His peace) and understanding. Tyke was a wonderful man, devoted to his family. I know Tyke was named after Daddy, so, with a smile on both their faces after seeing each other again, I am sure both (Norman’s) will be fishing together in those heavenly waters. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. GOD will be right by your side Pat, He will pick you up, and hold you close until you see Tyke again. xoxo
Marilynn, Marvin and family.
Millissa Riggin says
We lost one of our strongest icons in our little town. Tyke always had the most beautiful gardens. Every kid that went to school there would see him in his garden or at the kitchen table waving to us all. The contribution he gave to Elliston was un surpassed. We will miss him so much. May your family find peace and comfort in the coming days knowing Tyke is tending to Heavens gardens. Millissa.
Bob & Marie Lehfeldt says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you and your families…Pat, Val, Randy & Lynn…Even though it’s been several years since we had the opportunity to see Tyke, I’ll always remember his winning smile & twinkling eyes….and of course, the sauna baths! To lose a parent is to lose a piece of one’s heart; because to have the love of that parent fills one’s heart.
–Marie
Sheri (Engelhardt) Bunker says
Pat and family:
My prayers and heart go out to you all. Tyke was such a wonderful man, so kind hearted always. I have very fond memories of him from my childhood. God bless you all.
Michelle (Smigaj) Smith says
Dear Patsy, Val, Randy, Lynn and all the family.
My heart is heavy with the news of Tyke. I’m so greatful I was able to talk with him during the Elliston Reunion. I have such fond memories from my childhood of Tyke. He would chase Val and I around the dining room table, we would be screaming then we would take off running through the house. Such a wonderful man, so caring, and always had a smile on his face. Bless you all during this very sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Michelle
Robert Quigley says
To the Lauri Family,
Your loss is God’s gain. I can not remember not knowing Tyke. I have lots of pleasant memories of Tyke. All was well in the world when on a warm spring or summer evening when you could hear through out the neighborhood the sound of the baseball hitting Tyke’s catchers mitt, snagging the fast balls Randy would hurl at him. Tyke was a perfect example of what all Fathers and Husbands should aspire to be. Patsy my heart aches for you. May God hold you in his arms until the pain is bearable. I am sorry I am in Alaska and won’t be able to attend the service. I will pray for all of you. Someone needs to request prayers for our servicemen and women, Tyke would be honored by that, as he never missed an opportunity to include them in our prayers. My deepest sympathy Robert Quigley
J Johnson says
Dear Family and Friends of Norman Lauri – I want to express sincere condolences over the loss of Mr. Lauri. Losing a loved one is something we all wish we never had to go through. Thankfully, within his word the Bible, God promises us that soon “death will be no more” (Revelation 21:4). God also gives us the hope of seeing our loved ones who have already fallen asleep in death ( John 5:28,29). The Bible book of Hebrews reminds us that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by Norman Lauri(Heb 6:10). I hope that you receive comfort from these thoughts.
Shirley Lindquist says
Dear Pat, Val, Randy and Lynn as well as all of your family members,
Terry and I have been thinking about you constantly this past week. What a wonderful group!
We sure enjoyed the times we joined you in cribbage, dinner or in the early days, your music and everyone’s dancing. We so wished we could be in Elliston February 14th, but think Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to celebrate Tyke’s life. Your family bears the epitome of success.
Terry and Shirley Lindquist
Katie Burden says
So many people will be missing Tyke. My grandfathers words were “I lost my sparing partner”. Those two loved to talk big about who could beat up who in a boxing match. Tom and I where lucky enough to have Tyke play his guitar in our wedding and that is something I will never forget. We got out the video and watched it Friday night and there was a bitter sweet moment watching Tyke play. Tears and joy. I would love to share the video with any of you that are interested in seeing it. My dad and I will be seeing you all tomorrow.
God Bless,
Tom, Katie, Tyler and Trent Burden
God Bless
Melanie Renk says
Katie, is there a way for you to post the video online somewhere and share the link here?
I am one of Tyke’s granddaughters. I appreciate everyone’s kind words and memories about my grandfather. They are confirmation of what I already knew: What a special person he was.
Tammy Ward says
Rest in peace Tyke. May the love from all who knew you, carry you on your journey. An honorable father and great man who touched the lives of many. My deepest and sincere sympathy to you, Pat and all of your family! Love, Tam
Juliet Duran says
Hello Lynn :j
My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. May the Lord hold you and your family nearer in this time of heart felt memories and loss. I send you a great big hug, and I will keep you and your family in prayer. Though the pain is great, the memories will forever be near and dear. He left his imprint, his love and dedication in the hearts of his family and everyone who knew him. He will be with you guys all your days in many ways. Those are the great blessings of the Lord, to remember the great and wonderful times together. :j I do want to say that when I saw him, I saw your face Lynn…It’s an honor to meet you papa even through a photo. I feel great honor and admiration for your Father in just the little bit said about him. Again, Our hearts go out to you and your family….I ask the Lord to bring comfort and the joys of the great memories of the times you’ve shared and had together. Please give mama Lauri a hug on our behalf and that we send our deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers. By the way, I met you as Lynn, and I learned your full name is Lynnette….I would have gone with it, It sound beautiful and unique. You have a Great day, and may the Lord bring his comfort :j