Orvin Espelien

Orvin Clarence Espelien, age 77, passed away on January 27, 2018 in Albuquerque, NM.

Orvin Espelien was born November 17, 1940 in Edinburg, ND, the son of the late Clarence and Ethel (Orstad) Espelien. He was raised on a farm outside of Lankin, ND and his first eight years of school were in a one-room schoolhouse in Norton Township. Following that, he attended high school in Park River and two semesters of college in Mayville. He married Nancy Mahrer on February 6, 1960. He worked for Polar Communications in Park River, ND for 40 years, 9 months and 8 days. Always active in the community, Orvin was a member of the Jaycees and the Park River Volunteer Fire Department. After retirement in 2000, Orvin and Nancy spent their summers in the Park River area and winters in Albuquerque, NM. In his spare time, Orvin loved to watch UND Fighting Sioux hockey and Vikings football. He attended his grandchildren’s soccer games and followed their teams when not in the area. He also had a green thumb and spent many summer days working in his garden and around the family farm.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Clarence and Ethel; his sister-in-law, LuAnn, his grandson, Coty; and several dachshunds that were part of the family and truly believed they were people. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, sister, Joyce (Paul); his aunt, Irene; his children, Mark (Lisa), Kurt (Sharlene), Gregg (Wanda) and Kari (Charlie); his grandchildren Eric, Tyler, Brenna, Cori, Dakota and Quinn; and his great grandchildren Zeke and Isabella. As a friend of Bill W, he was beloved by all who knew him. Besides the emotional support he gave, he was the coffee maker extraordinaire. The streak on earth ended on day 11,907.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River.