Norene Claire Gorder, 91, of Williston, North Dakota, passed away on September 12, 2026. She was born July 26, 1935, in Watford City, North Dakota, to Hans and Nora Haugen and grew up in the Arnegard area with her siblings Linda, Cheryl, Loren, and Holly, and half-siblings Harold, Lawrence, Maurice and Ruth. Of these siblings, only Loren remains.

Norene married Raymond "Ray" Gorder in 1955, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and love. They were blessed with four children: Rocky, Rodney, Valorie, and Vikki. Ray passed away in 2001. In 2004, Norene married Alvin Bratlien, and his family was added to ours. Al passed away in 2010.

Norene will be remembered as a loving and kind mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a true matriarch who worked hard to keep her family connected and treasured time spent together. Her faith, warmth, humor, and unconditional love touched generations of her family.

Norene was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Ray and Al, and many others. She leaves behind a family who will continue to carry her love, stories, and legacy forward.

"Love never ends." — 1 Corinthians 13:8