Orris Melvin Moen, age 72, of Lake Park, MN, passed away while in Mesa, AZ, on January 15, 2021. He was in the presence of his brother-in-law and his wife; Barry and Kay Malme in his final fight with a number of health problems.
On the 26th day of September 1948, the first of five children, Orris, was born to Clarence and Evelyn (Dale) Moen in Spokane, WA. As an infant, the family moved to Eldred, MN. Orris started school in Climax, MN, and completed his first grade through high school graduation in Fisher, MN. Thus began the infamous “Fisher Class of ’66” with all class members holding class reunions whenever they felt like it. Future Class of ’66 gatherings will now hold Orris in memory as noted by the empty chair and now will be a part of some good stories.
Orris was baptized in the Christian faith and affirmed his belief of Jesus his Savior by Pastor Clayton C. Engan of the Fisher Lutheran Church.
In 1968, Orris was united in marriage to Gayle Stene, Shelly, MN. To this union, four children were born: Gwendolyn, Marshall, Garlyn, and Geralyn (Ger). Gayle, a teacher, encouraged Orris to attend the U of M, Crookston, where he earned an Associate Degree in 1971. In the early years of their marriage and in honor of his country; Orris served in the Army National Guard.
Many aspects of the area agricultural community were served by Orris; a local farmhand, farmer, factory employee at Jiffy Fry (71-74) and American Crystal (74-99). While in Mesa, AZ, he worked as a Trail Blazer and finally in Fargo, ND, at Aggregate Industries (04-13).
In 2002, Orris married Barb Malme–Tronnes of Shelly MN. Two step-sons, Tyler Tronnes and Matt Tronnes joined his family. Orris and Barb lived in Minnesota/ North Dakota and Arizona until Barb’s death in 2013.
Blessed by the promise of eternal life, Orris will joyfully be welcomed by his Savior Jesus Christ and his deceased family members: Grandparents—Otto and Agnes (Johnson) Dale, Melvin and Julia (Myran) Moen, parents—Clarence and Evelyn (Dale) Moen, infant son Marshall, and wife Barb.
Survivors of Orris are Gayle, the mother of his children: Gwendolyn (Shelly, MN), Garlyn (Mandi) with children Sadie and Harper (Chaska, MN); Ger (Melanie) with children Avianna and Holden (Mandan, ND), step-sons Tyler (Tess) Tronnes (Hudson, WI) and his children Adam and Abby, and Matt Tronnes (Lake Park, MN), sisters, Linda (Dan) Romuld (Grand Forks, ND), Fern (Allen) Melbye (Thief River Falls, MN), brothers, Myran (Lori) Moen (Shelly, MN), and Kevin Moen (Nielsville, MN), brother-in-law Barry (Kay) Malme (Fargo, ND). Family from his father’s generation, honorably include Aunt Ruth Moen and Cousin Clarice Aanden. Orris enjoyed the company and travel partner with his special nephew, Konner Moen. Other nieces and nephews who survive Uncle Orris include Christopher, Cassandra, Kyle, Karly, Darla, and Garen, and of course the greats; Roman, Blake, and Aryanna.
Memorial Service: 1:00 PM, Friday, June 18, 2021at Cormorant Lutheran Church, Rural Lake Park, MN.
Visitation: 5-7 PM, Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.
Inurnment: 11:30 AM, Sunday, June 20, 2021, at Shelly Cemetery, Shelly, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
