Orvis Peterson

Orvis Kenneth Peterson was born in Norma Township, Fingal, North Dakota, on August 28, 1931 to Carl and Christine (Falstad-Solie) Peterson. He was the 4th born of 13 children. He attended country schools within the township. He was baptized into the Lutheran Faith. In September 1952, he was drafted into the army. He served in the Korean War from 1952- 1954 and was honorably discharged from the service in 1960. On December 31, 1952 he married Maxine Ussatis at Zion Lutheran Church in Nome. They were married for 64 years. Together they raised six children: Randy Peterson, JoNell (Duane) Schaefer, Valley City, Joel (Renee) Peterson, Ogema, MN, Mike (Mary) Peterson, Nome, Daniel Peterson, and Jill (Kermit) Pederson, Fingal. They lived in Nome for several years before purchasing a farm by Fingal. He was happiest living in the country and raising pigs, chickens, horses, cows, ducks, and geese. After returning from the Korean War he worked for Wm Collins & Sons of Fargo doing road construction and also with Jens Tennefos of Fargo. He was always proud to talk about being a part of building I-94, I-29, Highway 32 and several other roads throughout ND. He eventually left to join his uncle John Solie in farming. On his free time he did a lot of mechanical work. He continued to farm for several years until retiring. Orvis was very proud to be a veteran. He was a lifetime member of the D.A.V. He is survived by his wife, Maxine, his children, four grandchildren, Tiffany (Clint) Jewett, Valley City, Johnathan Peterson, Nome, Kristen Peterson, West Fargo, Olivia Pederson, Fingal; and great grandchildren, Hailey Schaefer, James and Addi Jewett, Valley City; step-grandchildren, Alicia (Andy) Kemper (Mason and Easton Kemper), Matt Haverkamp (fiancé Kayla Lundon), Matt Pederson (Nathan Pederson and Paige Reinke) and Chris Pederson (Mason Pederson); brothers, Don (Doris) Peterson, West Fargo, Ron (Cleo) Peterson, Fargo, Marvin Peterson, Kentland, Indiana; sisters, Olga Pinke, Valley City, Sharon (Jake) Bierley, Helen Lemna, both of Kentland, and Jean (Jerome) Ussatis, Moorhead, Minnesota. Orvis was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Peterson, a grandson, Matthew Schaefer, his parents, two sisters, Clarice Peterson and Alice (Ray) Monson, and three brothers, Merlin, James and Walter; and several aunts and uncles and cousins, including Richard and Gilman Peterson.

Orvis Peterson

August 28, 1931 - February 2, 2017