Orvin Glen Blekeberg

Rugby

Orvin Glen Blekeberg, the son of Otto and Gertie (Gunderson) Blekeberg was born on Oct. 18, 1930, in Rugby, ND. He passed away at the age of 93 on Sept. 18, 2024, surrounded by family at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.

He attended country school through the 8th grade continuing his education at Rugby High School graduating with the class of 1948. While in school he participated in FFA and 4H. Orvin became a ND FFA State Officer in 1948 following his high school graduation. He was confirmed at the Bethel Lutheran Church, rural Rugby, and later became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rugby. Orvin grew up working alongside his father, Otto, on the family farm where he decided he wanted to spend his life, “doing what dad does.” He later purchased the farmstead from his parents.

In the fall of 1970 he wanted to, “beat the Willow City boys”, so he came knocking on the door of Beverly Atkinson. It was soon after their first date at the Moose Lodge in Minot, that Orvin knew he wanted to marry Bev. The following Valentine’s Day Orvin asked Bev to be his wife, and they were United in marriage June 4, 1971. Orvin took on the role of a husband and father to 4 children, which he adopted. Orvin and Bev went on to add three more girls to their family. In the fall of ’95 Orvin & Bev sold the farmstead to their son, Cory, and moved into town! Orvin continued to farm with Cory for many years. The couple celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this past summer on June 4, 2024.

Orvin enjoyed his morning coffee with the “boys”, afternoons playing cards, and a midnight snack which consisted of a cold Oscar Mayer wiener. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Orvin was involved in the Rugby Gun Club and won many “Sharp Shooting” awards. He served on FSA County Committee and Meyer Township Board’s for many years. He was a past president of the Sons of Norway (ODIN) Lodge, and was a proud member of the Eagles Club in Rugby. Orvin was also awarded the Pierce County Soil Conservation District award in 1985 and Pierce County NDSU Outstanding Agriculturist award in 2007.

Orvin is survived by his loving wife, Beverly (Harmel) (Atkinson) Blekeberg, all 7 children, Teri Ann (Dwane) Mears of Rugby; John (Terry) Atkinson of Savanna, GA; Michael (Pam) Atkinson of Grand Forks; Cory Atkinson of Rugby; Kimberly (Murray Pfau) Kuntz of Rugby; Nancy (PJ) Blekeberg-Clare of Seattle, WA; Rebecca (Bert) Anklam of Rolette; 25 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren; sister, Shirley (Blekeberg) Iverson of Minot; several nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many wonderful friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Gertie; sister, Lois Larson; brothers-in-law, Clifford Larson & Victor Iverson; nephews, Scott and Doug Larson;and in-laws, Henry and Selma Harmel.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 4th, from 5-7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby, with a time of remembrance beginning at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rugby. Burial will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery southwest of Rugby following the lunch.

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, Oct. 1, 2024.