Norine Coffin

Minot

Norine Margaret Coffin (Slagle), a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and extraordinary teacher, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 27, 2025, at the age of 66, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Norine–known lovingly as Rini–was married on July 12, 1986 in First Presbyterian Church-Minot to her beloved husband of 39 years Steve Coffin. Their marriage was a true partnership, grounded in loyalty, devotion, and deep love. In her final years, Steve’s tender and unwavering care was a beautiful reflection of the commitment they shared throughout their life together.

Raised on a farm near Alexander, North Dakota, Rini learned the values of hard work and perseverance early in life. She was “tough as nails”–headstrong, determined, and blessed

with an uncanny ability to remain positive through life’s challenges. In her youth, she found great joy in music, especially playing the guitar, a passion that stayed with her throughout her life. She also held a lifelong love for horses and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of the world around her.

For more than 35 years, Rini dedicated herself to teaching. More than an educator, she was a mentor and a source of inspiration. Her lasting impact is a testament to her patience, kindness, and unwavering belief in her students. Many former students have often said, “She was the best teacher I ever had.” Her love of teaching was passed on to her daughter, Ashley, and Rini was incredibly proud to have raised another educator.

While she touched countless lives in the classroom, her greatest pride was her family. Rini was the proud mother of two daughters, Ashley and Stacey, but the most treasured title she ever held was Grandmother. Her grandchildren–Bennett, Miles, Parker Norine, and Kennedi–were the center of her world and her greatest joy. She delighted in celebrating their milestones, sharing positivity, and teaching them new things.

In the final years of her journey, Rini was cared for by the compassionate staff at Edgewood Memory Care in Minot. Their dedication went far beyond professional duty, and their genuine love for Rini brought great comfort to her family.

Rini will be remembered for her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and the love she gave so freely. She is survived by her husband, Steve Coffin; her daughter, Ashley (Craig) Harvey and their children, Bennett and Miles; her daughter, Stacey (Jon) Herried and their children, Parker Norine, and Kennedi; brother Rich Slagle, along with a wide circle of nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, colleagues, and former students who will forever hold her memory close.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in Norine’s honor to Mrs. Field’s Closet- 600 16th St. N.W. – Minot, ND 58703–an organization dedicated to providing essential supplies to students so they can focus on learning, a cause close to Rini’s heart throughout her career.

Celebration of the Life of Norine Coffin: Monday, January 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church – livestream of the service may be accessed by using the link in the website obituary.

Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park – Minot.

Visitation: 1 hour prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 30, 2025

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