Orell Sevigny

Orell Sevigny, age 86 of Oakwood, ND passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019 at Unity Medical Center, eight days after his 60 ^th wedding anniversary. Orell was born December 29, 1932 at Oakwood, the son of Edward and Emma (Demers) Sevigny. He attended school at the Aloysius Academy in Oakwood.

Orell served in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955, completing basic training at Fort Bliss, TX. He then served overseas in Austria and then back to Maine for three months. Following his discharge he returned to farm with his dad and three brothers.

Orell was united in marriage to JoAnne Karnik at St. Luke’s Catholic Church at Veseleyville, ND on June 16, 1959. They made their home on the family farm near Oakwood where he farmed until he retired in December 1994. Then his son took over the farming operation and Orell started working for the Alan Collette Farm and helped his son on the farm until the time of his death.

Orell was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Oakwood and sang in the choir for many years. He is a past trustee, council member, and in charge of the DDP collection for several years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #41 in Grafton. He bowled on different leagues most of his life. He loved working the land, camping, and traveling. He and his wife JoAnne traveled to most of the states including Alaska and Hawaii. They also visited many islands while cruising, including the Panama Canal. They enjoyed classic country music and did many country music cruises.

Orell is survived by his wife JoAnne; two daughters, Stacy (Rob) Proffer, Bolingbrook, IL, and Roxann (Brian) Hanson, Fargo, ND; one son, Edward (Stacie) Sevigny, Grafton, ND; five grandchildren, Abram and Gavin Sevigny and Ethan, Emma, and Aubrey Hanson; several nieces and nephews; and two Godchildren, Gene Demers and Connie Demers. He is also survived by sister, Flora Pilon, and brother, Daniel (Louise) Sevigny, all of Grafton.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending all their school and sporting events, including dance and piano recitals and Tae Kwon Do events.

Orell was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rosalie (Roland) Lessard and Alma (Louis) Collette; brothers, Victorien and Eugene (Jean) Sevigny; and brother-in-law, Oliver Pilon.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 28, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. at St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 with a Rosary service at 7:00 P.M. at Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton and for one hour at the church prior to the time of the service. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery at Oakwood. Military Rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Oakwood “operating” cemetery fund.