Josh Michael Norland, 29, of Bismarck, died on Dec. 27, 2008 at his home. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at First Lutheran Church in Bismarck at 2 p.m. with The Rev. Dan Mauer officiating. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Bismarck Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Josh was born May 23, 1979, to Michael and Janeen Norland in Minot. Josh lived his early years in Velva with his parents and siblings: older sister, Jordan, and younger brother, Brady.  Josh’s childhood was filled with love, laughter and fun. He brought joy to his whole family.

Later the Norland’s moved to Williston, where Josh spent most of his years. 

Josh was very active in sports. He participated in almost every sport available to him in Williston. He excelled in football, wrestling and basketball. Everything Josh did he did to the best of his ability. Josh graduated in 1998 from Williston High School. He made many lifelong friends in Williston who will remember him always. The year after high school graduation, Josh went to play Maurader Football at the Univerisity of Mary. From there, he transferred to Williston State College for one year. Josh then went on to Montana State Univeristy-Bozeman and graduated in 2002 with a degree in business management. Josh snowboarded and hunted with his buddies in all his free time. 

As a new graduate, Josh had the world at his fingertips and set out to achieve the American dream. He came home to North Dakota and began to embark on the journey toward meeting his many goals. Josh had a great head for business, he was successful in a variety of ventures. Josh and his dad, Mike, went in together on many different business projects, including Audubon Outfitters. It was here that Josh and Mike excelled together doing something they both enjoyed. Most recently, Josh was helping his dad establish a family business in Williston.

Josh loved the outdoors and spent much of his time at the family farm outside Coleharbor. He had a passion for hunting that was shared with his entire family. Josh was an avid wildlife photographer and videographer. He took many beautiful photographs that he loved to share with his friends and family. Josh was a man who valued family. He loved to spend time with his nephew, Cash Michael, and could always bring a smile to his face.

Josh was a man who was known for his confidence and inner strength. His focus was to better himself, mentally, physically and emotionally. Josh was always very compassionate for the less fortunate. He was planning on attending graduate school to obtain a degree in physical therapy. Josh said he was happiest when he was helping others. His family and friends saw Josh as the trustworthy and honorable man. He was important to many different people on many different levels.

Josh is survived by his parents, Mike and Janeen Norland; sister, Jordan (Brent and Cash) and brother, Brady (Erica); maternal grandmother, Lena Diede; fraternal grandmother, Gladys Norland; aunts and uncles: Jim and Danna Nechiporenko, Lynelle Diede, Robert and Cynthia Norland, Gloria Burgard, Jay and Sheree Diede, and Neal Diede; many cousins: Jeremy Nechiporenko, Ben Nechiporenko, Dallas Diede, Derek Diede, Jen Norland, Tina Norland, Sage Diede, Korey Jones, Shawn Diede Chacon, Teresa May, Paul Norland, Brent Norland, Andrea Frieson, Jeff Rockwell, David Burgard, Steve Burgard, Tom Burgard, Ken Burgard and Michelle McCaughey.

Josh was preceded in death by fraternal grandpa John Norland, maternal grandpa Wayne Diede; great-grandparents, Ann and Joe Diede; great-grandparents Roy and Mary Tomlinson; aunt, Gayle Rauh; and uncle, Don Norland.

Go to www.bismarckfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook or to share memories with the family.