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Bork, whose funeral was held last week, was born in Minneapolis, but grew up in Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1943. He farmed east of town on Highway 23 for 20 years, from 1948 to 1968, before moving into town.

In his last 30 years, Bork operated a number of local businesses. From 1971 to 1976, he and his wife, Genora, operated Van's Beach Resort on Lake Koronis. In 1972, he started Bork Trucking, which specialized in livestock transportation.

Bork's business interests grew to include Bork Lumber and Supply, Bork Household Moving, and Bork Farm Supply. His businesses were based north of town at the site of the second white settlement in the area, once known as North Town, now nicknamed Bork Town.

He sold Bork Trucking in 1985 to two sons (Bruce and Doug) and a son-in-law (Kevin Bruntlett). He sold Bork Lumber and Steel to Donny Frank in 1996, and he sold Bork Household Moving to Bruce Bork in 2001.

He operated Bork Farm Supply Ð buying and selling hay and straw and selling seeds Ð until the time of his death. Being in business "was all he wanted to do," said his daughter Gloria Bruntlett. He listed work as his favorite hobby.

Norman Bork had seven children, 22 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Full obituary