Orrin Groff

Orrin H. Groff, 77, of Walcott, ND, passed away August 17, 2013 at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living Center under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. 

Orrin was born on February 22, 1936 to Henry and Olga (Haugen) Groff at Walcott, ND.

Orrin attended grade school in Barrie Township and graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in 1954.  Following graduation, Orrin returned home to farm with his father. On August 9, 1958 he married Marlys Dierke and they continued to farm and furthered their educations.  In 1968 Orrin and Marlys graduated together from Moorhead State University, each with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.  After graduating Orrin taught Business Education and Industrial Arts in Arthur, ND.  The highlight of Orrin’s career at Arthur was the building of the shop in the Arthur School.  Orrin moved on to become the County Superintendent of Schools in Richland County for six years, then working for South Valley Special Education Unit for approximately nine years.  He was especially proud of the work his students did for Wilrich Manufacturing Co. of Wahpeton, ND and Fargo Assembly of Lisbon, ND.  Orrin was very proud of his nine years spent with the North Dakota Air National Guard.

Spending time with his family was a special time for Orrin, and his grandchildren were the joy of his life.  He enjoyed visiting with his many friends and neighbors, and had a passion for farm auction sales!  Orrin loved to build and after his retirement, together he and Marlys built a house and shop.  He was known for his big smile, love of life and his persistent courage to endure his physical pain.

Orrin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlys, son, Orrin Douglas (Silke) Groff of St. Cloud, MN; daughter, Teresa (Sean) Roesler, Leonard, ND; son, Eric (Christina) Groff, Wyndmere, ND; and nine grandchildren, Brandon, Amanda, and Kyle Roesler; Keegan, Kailyn, and Kinlee Groff; Lexy, Brady and Emma Nelson.  He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl (Galen) Lundgren of Edina, MN and sister-in-law, Jeri (Robert) Oscarson of Wahpeton, ND.

Orin was preceded in death by his father, Henry, mother, Olga and an infant sister, Shirley Ann.