Enoch Thorsgard

Enoch Thorsgard, 98, of Northwood, ND passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at his home in rural Northwood. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 2:00p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Northwood. A visitation will be held Friday, December 18, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. with a 7:00p.m. prayer service at the church.

Enoch was born March 30, 1917 on a farm near Northwood, ND to Arne and Clara (Markve) Thorsgaard.

It has been written of Enoch that he "epitomizes the definition of a lifelong learner. He was always asking questions and challenging the status quo. Few people recognized the amount of philanthropic and charitable contributions that he distributed on a regular basis. His Christian faith and commitment have been the hallmark of his life and work."

Enoch was known for his cattle enterprise. He was one of the first cattlemen to bring Charolais cattle to the region. His motto of "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" is evidenced in the niche he found feeding cattle byproducts from local processors. The North Dakota State University Saddle and Sirloin Club selected him as the 79th Little International Agriculturist of the Year in 2005.

His passion for the Lord and for his state of North Dakota was demonstrated in his dedication to the North Dakota Heritage Center, his 12 years in the North Dakota House of Representatives, and his pioneering and promoting of the North Dakota Family Alliance. His latest endeavor was writing "Enoch's Saga Horsepower to Satellite in a Single Lifetime."

His love and generosity toward his family surpassed all his other efforts. His grandchildren and great grandchildren put it best. "He was an awesome man of God and has done so much for so many people around Northwood and around the world. He is leaving a legacy like no other." "My family and I have learned countless irreplaceable life lessons from him. Lessons on faith, family, life, love, and success. He was the prime example of a God fearing and faithful man. His life and legacy will be celebrated among his family and friends for generations to come. Hearing of his death I think of 2nd Timothy 4:7 ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' He has done just that..."

Survivors include his wife, Madeline; Children: Carol (Harold) Luecke, Grady (Marilyn) Thorsgard, John (Dona) Thorsgard, Ruth (Robert) Draxton, and a son in law, Lonney Eastvold; 24 grandchildren and 11 spouses, 28 great grandchildren, and a sister in law, Doris Thorsgaard.

Enoch was preceded in death by a son, Luke and a daughter, Betty; Parents, Arne and Clara Thorsgaard; sister, Anna (Adolph) Kordahl; brothers: Harold, Arne, and Arthur Thorsgaard.