M Kerkvliet
05-05-2007, 09:44 PM
The memorial service for Richard Rorvig was held in the Nelson Building on the show grounds of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion on Saturday May 5, 2007.
It was attended by just over 200 people. Officiating was Pastor Leon Andersen, and music was provided by Dave and Donna Peterson, and Ray and Betty Waszut. Many took the opportunity to eulogize Richard including family members, past employees, as well as friends from WMSTR and the Minnesota Steam Engine Association.
Rock Of Ages, and How Great Thou Art were sung by the congregation.
The following is the obituary printed in the bulletin used at the service.
Richard K.M. Rorvig died on December 23, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born October 7, 1934 to Raymond and Cornelia (Watterud) Rorvig. He lived and worked on the family farm all his life.
He was an active member of Farmers Union and NFO, where he fought for better prices for farmers. Richard was also a licensed welder, and did this for a time in Alaska. After retiring from farming, he started a stump grinding business, which he also did in Arizona for several winters. He built the family a home, and a lake cabin with the help of his wife Kathy and their children. He was a charter member of WMSTR and restored steam engines and gas tractors. Many engines are now operating because of his work. As a member of the Minnesota Steam Engine Association, he lobbied the legislature on behalf of the steam hobby.
Richard had many hobbies... collecting vintage photographs, painting pictures, writing magazine articles, gardening, telling stories, and arguing politics 'till the proverbial cows came home. He loved both country and mariachi music, and took up wood carving in later years.
On June 27, 1954 he married Kathleen Melby in Dalton, MN. They had four children... Son Ross, Daughter Brenda, Son Ronald, and Daughter Barbara. Ronald died in a farm accident in 1974. He also leaves three Grandchildren... Jessica, Cheyenne, Jasmine George, and three step Grand Children... Ramon and Chelsea BacaHodroff and Jennifer George.
Richard will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched, and by family and friends.
It was attended by just over 200 people. Officiating was Pastor Leon Andersen, and music was provided by Dave and Donna Peterson, and Ray and Betty Waszut. Many took the opportunity to eulogize Richard including family members, past employees, as well as friends from WMSTR and the Minnesota Steam Engine Association.
Rock Of Ages, and How Great Thou Art were sung by the congregation.
The following is the obituary printed in the bulletin used at the service.
Richard K.M. Rorvig died on December 23, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born October 7, 1934 to Raymond and Cornelia (Watterud) Rorvig. He lived and worked on the family farm all his life.
He was an active member of Farmers Union and NFO, where he fought for better prices for farmers. Richard was also a licensed welder, and did this for a time in Alaska. After retiring from farming, he started a stump grinding business, which he also did in Arizona for several winters. He built the family a home, and a lake cabin with the help of his wife Kathy and their children. He was a charter member of WMSTR and restored steam engines and gas tractors. Many engines are now operating because of his work. As a member of the Minnesota Steam Engine Association, he lobbied the legislature on behalf of the steam hobby.
Richard had many hobbies... collecting vintage photographs, painting pictures, writing magazine articles, gardening, telling stories, and arguing politics 'till the proverbial cows came home. He loved both country and mariachi music, and took up wood carving in later years.
On June 27, 1954 he married Kathleen Melby in Dalton, MN. They had four children... Son Ross, Daughter Brenda, Son Ronald, and Daughter Barbara. Ronald died in a farm accident in 1974. He also leaves three Grandchildren... Jessica, Cheyenne, Jasmine George, and three step Grand Children... Ramon and Chelsea BacaHodroff and Jennifer George.
Richard will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched, and by family and friends.