Norbert J. Bachel

October 22, 1916 - March 15, 2012 95, passed away March 15th 2012. Bert is preceded in death by his loving wife Norma. He is survived by sons Curt (Rae Jean) and Larry (Karen); daughter Mary Ann Huet (Layne); grandchildren Tracy Huet, Danny Huet, Jessie Gallant (John), Katie Krzizike (Andy), Kellie Bachel, Michelle Wolfe (Richard)and Mitch Behm (Deonne); great-grandchildren Brady Gallant, Autumn Krzizike, Mackenzie, Samantha and Gabrielle Wolfe, Santi, Marley and Levi Behm. Bert will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. Bert was the youngest of 7 children. As a young man, he helped to support the family by picking potatoes for 3 cents a bushel and shucking corn for next to nothing. As he got older he worked at a dairy farm milking cows for $14.00 a month. In 1942 Bert was drafted by the Army. After basic training he was shipped overseas to fight in WWII. At the rank of Staff Sargent, he fought under General Patton with the Third Army, 5th Armored Division. Battles and Campaigns he fought in were Northern France, Normandy, Rhineland, Andennes, and Central Europe including The Battle of the Bulge. Bert earned the Good Conduct, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, American Theatre, World War II Victory Medal, European, and African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with five bronze battle stars and two bronze stars. Bert was gravely wounded from bomb fragments losing part of his lung, diaphragm,liver, kidney and some ribs. Bert was discharged from the army in 1945. In 1947 he married Norma Hanson. They had three children. Bert worked for ND State Highway Dept. and was an airport manager in Minot. Bert was an entrepreneur. He owned Bert's Standard Station, Colorado Bowl, Texaco Service Station and Quality Auto Parts Warehouse. He always said "Service" is what makes a business work. Bert loved fishing, hunting, traveling around in his motorhome and dancing. Bert had quite the sweet tooth to boot. Mass of christian Burial will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, March 19th, 2012 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church (Arvada, Colorado). Burial will take place Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 at 9:15 AM Area "C" Ft. Logan National Cemetery (Denver, Colorado) with military honors provided by The United States Army.