1916
Orville
2016
Orville Edne Tangen
October 9, 1916 — September 18, 2016
Orville Edne Tangen, 99, of Chatfield died Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Mary’s Campus.
Orville was born October 9, 1916 on a farm in Chatfield Township to Theodore and Alma (Asleson) Tangen.
He enlisted in the Army in 1941 Fifth Armored Division stationed in New York and later shipped overseas to Europe (March 1943.) First he was a cook for over 800 in his battalion. He later drove a tank across Europe until coming home in October of 1945. He served in the Battle of the Bulge.
On April 17, 1943 Orville married Helen Strom in McMinnville, Tennessee.
After the war the couple farmed in rural Fountain milking and raising Holsteins. After back surgery in 1967 and again in July 1969 he had to give up farming. He then became a field tester for the Preston Creamery for 10 years. They then moved to Chatfield. They enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and going out to dinner with friends.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign wars and the American Legion for over 70 years and a member of the Color Guard. He enjoyed marching in many parades.
Orville was a lifetime and oldest member of Root Prairie Lutheran Church where he served on the Parish Council, took care of the church and cemetery for many years.
Orville is lovingly remembered by four children: Robert (Sue Sandberg) Tangen of Plainview, Dianne (Del) Jones, of Aitkin, Sharon (John) Dowd of Duluth, & Marlene (Dennis) Blocker of Waukon, Iowa. Eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great granddaughters. Sister in laws: Thelma Tangen of Rochester and Lucille Tangen of Chatfield, along with many nieces and nephews also survive.
Orville is preceded in death by his wife Helen, parents, & three brothers.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Root Prairie Lutheran Church, with Rev. Grace Gravelle officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday September 21, at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield, and one hour before the funeral service at the church.
A committal service with full military honors will immediately follow the service at Root Prairie Lutheran Cemetery.
“You’ve earned a place in heaven, Dad. After all you been through I wish I could have helped you, but there was nothing I could do. Peacefully sleeping now, out of pain. I would not wake you up to suffer again.”
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Root Prairie Lutheran Church or the Chosen Valley Care Center.
Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. 507-867-4310. To share a memory of Orville with the family please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com.
Version3 Final
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, September 22, 2016
9:00 - 9:50 am
Root Prairie Lutheran Church
Funeral Service
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Starts at 10:00 am
Root Prairie Lutheran Church
Military Honors
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Starts at 10:45 am
Root Prairie Lutheran Church
Guestbook
Visits: 4
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