“A Heart That Touched Many”: Bowbells Mourns the Loss of Casey Lalum
October 21, 2025 – Bowbells, ND
It is with great sadness and heartfelt sorrow that family, friends, and the entire community of Bowbells, North Dakota, announce the passing of Casey Lalum — a beloved soul whose compassion, humor, and unwavering integrity left a lasting imprint on every life touched.
Casey’s passing has cast a shadow over this tight-knit rural town, where he was not only a familiar face but a vital thread in the fabric of the community. His death marks the end of a remarkable life, one marked by selflessness, deep-rooted values, and a legacy of love that will echo for generations.
A Life Lived with Purpose and Heart
Born and raised in Bowbells, Casey embodied the values of small-town North Dakota: hard work, honesty, humility, and a genuine care for others. Whether it was through his work, his volunteer efforts, or simply his everyday presence in the community, Casey lived a life of quiet impact and steady kindness.
Friends describe him as someone who could lighten the heaviest moments with his sharp wit and whose laughter — genuine and contagious — often filled the room. But it was his compassion, particularly for those going through difficult times, that left the deepest mark.
“He never judged anyone, not once,” said childhood friend and neighbor, Dean Thompson. “He’d sit with you, listen, help if he could — and if he couldn’t, he’d just be there. Sometimes that’s all you need.”
Casey’s humor was matched only by his dependability. He showed up — for his family, his friends, his neighbors, and even strangers in need. Snowstorm? Casey had already plowed your driveway. Hard day? He’d bring over coffee and stay to chat. Quiet success or personal milestone? He was there, celebrating you.
Devoted Son, Brother, and Friend
To his family, Casey was a rock — steady, loyal, and deeply loving. A devoted son and brother, he cherished time spent with loved ones, whether around the dinner table, on long road trips, or simply sharing coffee and conversation.
He is remembered by his family as someone who made every ordinary moment feel extraordinary. He told the best stories, had the best advice (whether you wanted to hear it or not), and made everyone feel like they mattered.
“Casey had this way of making you feel like you were the only person in the world when he talked to you,” shared his sister, Jamie Lalum. “That’s a rare gift. And it’s one we were so lucky to have.”
A Pillar of the Bowbells Community
Beyond his personal relationships, Casey’s dedication to the community of Bowbells was unwavering. He volunteered regularly — at local fundraisers, town clean-up days, holiday drives, and school events. He was the kind of person people turned to, whether they needed advice, a helping hand, or just someone to listen.
He was especially proud of his work mentoring younger generations, encouraging them to be kind, stay true to themselves, and never forget where they came from.
Bowbells Mayor Susan Keller called Casey “a quiet hero” and “the kind of person every town needs, but few are lucky enough to have.”
An Outpouring of Love and Remembrance
In the wake of Casey’s passing, tributes have poured in from across Burke County and beyond. Friends, co-workers, and even those who met him only briefly have shared stories of how Casey touched their lives — a moment of kindness here, a joke there, always a reminder of the good that exists in the world.
A memorial wall has been set up at the Bowbells Community Center, where residents are leaving messages, photos, and memories of a man who meant so much to so many.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Friday evening, October 24, at 7:00 PM, at the Bowbells City Park, where the community will gather to remember, reflect, and honor a life that was lived fully and generously.
Legacy of Love and Integrity
While the loss of Casey Lalum leaves a space that can never truly be filled, his life offers a roadmap for the rest of us — a reminder that the greatest legacy we can leave is one of compassion, laughter, and unwavering integrity.
His memory will live on not just in the stories told or the tears shed, but in the way his community carries forward his spirit: helping others, choosing kindness, and always showing up.
In a town where everyone knows everyone, Casey Lalum wasn’t just known — he was deeply loved. And he will be deeply missed.
Memorial Information
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Candlelight Vigil: Friday, October 24 at 7:00 PM – Bowbells City Park
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Celebration of Life: Saturday, October 25 at 11:00 AM – Bowbells Lutheran Church
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In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made in Casey’s name to the Bowbells Community Foundation or the Burke County Food Pantry.
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