Orlando O. Wigen

ORLANDO WIGEN Orlando Wigen, 91, Finley, ND, passed away on May 3, 2016 at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND. Orlando was born on November 17, 1924 in Golden Lake Township, ND to Bernt and Tilda(Westland) Wigen. He attended country school and later received an Honorary High School Diploma from Finley High School following several years of service on the Finley School Board. Orlando enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and proudly served his country as a ship fitter in the Pacific Theater until 1946. Orlando was a life member of the American Legion, active for over 70 years. He held several offices including leading the ND delegation at the National Convention as First District Commander. He was active in the Legion Honor Guard. He was building committee chairman at the Finley Legion, caretaking the building for many years. Orlando was a true Patriot and the last surviving WWII Veteran in the Finley American Legion Post 13. He was also a member of the Sons of Norway, the VFW, and the Finley Lutheran Church. Orlando returned to Finley in 1946 and began farming, his lifelong passion which he pursued for 60 years. He married Ila Mae Dronen in 1950 and was happy to celebrate their 60th Anniversary before her passing in 2011. Orlando enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards, and he also deconstructed and renovated many houses. He lived for celebrations and family milestones, and loved and appreciated his family and caregivers. His favorite place was the farm. After retiring from farming, Orlando spent his later years at Edgewood Vista before moving to Bethany Homes on 42nd under the excellent care of Bethany Staff and Hospice of Red River Valley. Orlando is survived by three sons, Scott (Norette) Wigen, Orange Beach, AL; Randall (Janice) Wigen, Fargo, ND; Jeffery Wigen, Finley, ND; two daughters, Lori Saltness, Stevenson, WA; and Karla (Brad) Thykeson, Portland, ND; 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; two siblings, David Wigen, Finley, ND; and Thelma Olson, Finley, ND. Orlando was preceded in death by his wife, Ila Mae; his parents; sisters, Alpha Ness, Verna Azevedo and Viola Wigen; brothers, Ernest Wigen and Jerry Wigen; grandson, Jared Saltness. The family asks memorials be made in Orlando’s memory to Finley American Legion Post #13 Memorial Fund. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 9, 2016 at 10:30 in the Finley Lutheran Church, Finley, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday from 5:00 till 7:00 in the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home, Finley, ND and one hour before services in the Church. A Prayer Service will be held Sunday at 7:00 in the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Finley Cemetery, Finley, ND.