Rocky Lee Norby

Rocky Lee Norby, 65, of Sidney died May 29, 2020.

He was born July 29, 1954, to Richard and Doris Norby. He was a great big brother to Rick and Jodene, and there are many stories of how he picked on them as much as possible.

He grew up in the Crane area and graduated from Sidney High School in 1972. He started farming with his father in 1974 which proved to be a lifelong career. He would tell you, you have to be stupid to farm, but he loved it.

He met the love of his life, Lori, on a dirt road leading to his home, where he left her with an armload to carry, not even offering her a ride. There must have been a spark because they married in 1979 and soon welcomed their children Jeremy, Melissa and Amanda.

He would complain mightily over all the tasks with family and friends that took him away from the farm, but he truly enjoyed being there. He was the foreman for lefse making, the chief for the cleaning crew, the chaperone at all the concerts, the chauffeur for all trips, because the “Boss” (Lori) made him.

Highlights of trips taken after the children were grown included fishing trips to Alaska, concerts with their children, cruises with their friends, sports with his boys and a large family vacation to Disney World. He loved his hunting trips with his friends and the men in his family.

He attended every event he was able to and could always be heard in the stands. He coached many youth and numerous basketball teams. He was a proud Papa shark at the swim meets and cheered proudly for every race. He loved taking his grandchildren with him on the farm and teaching them everything he could.

He started every day with a phone call to Mandy, followed by breakfast at Sunny's. There will be many silent phones now, since he never put his down. He touched lives all over the world through the various people that have been a part of Norby Inc.

He always had room in his heart for every person he met. He saw the best in everyone and made many friends that way. He loved to go to Las Vegas and knew all of dealers and players at the table.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; children, Jeremy Norby, Melissa Sanders and Mandy Malkuch; eight grandchildren; Matt and Teresa Stedman and their children Bryndi, Briar, Baylor; brother, Rick Norby; and sister, Jodene Bryngelson.

Services were held Wednesday, June 3, at 3 p.m. at the grandstand of the Richland County Fairgrounds in Sidney with Pastor David Huskamp of the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church officiating.