Norman John Joseph Ricard

Norman John Joseph Ricard ,73, was sent to his eternal home on July 1st , 2025, surrounded by family at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Bemidji. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2025 at St. Philip’s Catholic Church with a prayer service and rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Nary Cemetery.

Norm was born on September 14, 1951 in Crookston, MN to Elmer and Viola Ricard.  He grew up on a farm near Gentilly, MN where he worked for area farmers as a teen.  He graduated high school from Red Lake Falls, MN in 1969. He then attended vocational school at Alexandria Tech for refrigeration and appliance repair.  It was there he met and married Susan Walrath from Weaton, MN on October 17th, 1970.  Together they raised three children, Denise, Jodi and Greg.  Norm worked in the appliance repair-refrigeration field in the Fargo-Moorehead area, Metropolitan area and central MN.  The family moved to Bemidji, MN in 1991 where he worked in the same field before starting his own business, Ricard Repair Service in 2007.  Norm became a widower in December 2014 when his beloved wife Susan passed.  He was so blessed to find true love again with Jill Masten and they married on November 26, 2016.

Norm was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.  His journey on earth was one marked by Love, Compassion and unwavering Faith in God.  Norm’s strong desire to give back to his community led him to be a volunteer firefighter/first responder for Clearwater, MN in the early 80’s.  He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.  He took an active role and was a member of the assembly for over 50 years. He was a member of the 4th Degree, St. Pope John Paul II Assembly.

Norm was an avid toy collector and had an extensive toy collection.  He attended toy shows all over the U.S.  He also loved farm shows and just looking at all the tractors was something he so enjoyed.  Norm basically always loved anything with wheels and an engine.  He was a real “car nut” and a long time member of the Paul Bunyan Vintage car club. Another passion of Norm’s was music, not playing of course, but he absolutely loved listening to music any chance he had.  He most loved the oldies~50’s and 60’s, Motown and old and new country, especially songs that really tell a story  …Norm did love stories!

Norm was a faithful Christian, he loved to tell stories and was a good friend to many.  Without recognition being the goal and most times without knowledge, he became a role model to many who took examples from the way he lived his life and the way he served his community and our Heavenly Father. 

Norm was a loving husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother.  He loved his family fiercely and actively prayed for them all on a daily basis.  He never took his family and friends for granted and so enjoyed visiting with each and every one of them , sometimes even traveling around the U.S. to do so.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Ricard; his parents, Elmer and Viola (Amiot) Ricard; and sister, Arlene Krogstad. He is survived by his loving wife, Jill Ricard; daughters Denise Palmi (Terry),  Jodi LaVoi (Matt); son Greg Ricard (Patience); stepsons David Masten (Maria); Daryl Masten (Marjie); 13 grandchildren which include: Bowen Palmi (Caroline); Cole Palmi, Sydney LaVoi, Brooke LaVoi, Mason LaVoi, Taten Ricard, Renae Ricard, Levi Ricard, Willow Ricard, Delaney Masten, Nick Masten, Adrian Masten, Dillon Masten; sisters Virginia Hanson (Gerald); Jean Glawe (Neal); Gerald Ricard (Carla); Francis Ricard (Kristi) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Norm will no doubt remember him for his infectious smile, sense of humor, deep rooted faith in Jesus and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all those who crossed his path.  His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and those who’s lives were touched by him in some way.  We ask that you remember Norm for the way he lived his life and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure to know him. 

“ Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives.  In that way, all those who came in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God.”

~~St. Pope John Paul II

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