Orven M. Blegen

Orven Morris Blegen was called home by his Lord and Savior on Friday November 22, 2019 at the age of 102.  Orven Blegen was born on March 29, 1917 in High Forest Township, Olmsted County to Ole and Mary (Muri) Blegen. He grew up on the family farm in High Forest Township and attended country school. As was typical at the time he completed 8th grade then began farming with his parents Ole and Mary. Orven married Vera Marie Hass on June 21, 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley. They lived off the farm for a short time then moved to the Blegen family farmstead in a house the couple built where they raised their five children. Orven and Vera had a loving 60 year marriage until the Lord called Vera home in 2008. Orven and Vera’s farm consisted of dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, a riding horse, and his cow dog Penny. Orven did his own mechanical work and often helped neighbors with repair and welding.

Orven was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville serving as an usher, Sunday school teacher and on various boards. He served on the Rock Dell Creamery Board for a few years. He enjoyed playing the violin and concertina. For adventure, he rode motorcycle and in fact rode his 1939 Harley to the Black Hills in the mid 40’s on gravel roads. To make the trip he borrowed a tire off his dad’s Allis Chalmers combine. Orven also enjoyed going to antique tractor shows, plowing bees, and traveling with Vera and his children. Visiting with neighbors, friends, and especially family was time well spent for Orven.

Orven is survived by 2 daughters  and 1 son Ron (Mary) of Rochester, Mary Blegen of Stewartville, and Barb(Jeff) Lemke of Rochester, son-in-law Tom Coggins of Rochester; 5 grandchildren Bryan (Charis) Coggins,  Megan (Joshua) Swanson, Adam (Hailie) Lemke, JoAnne (Josh) Cormican and Amber Lemke and 3 great-granddaughters Breanna, Brynn and Lynnara.  He was preceded in death by his wife Vera, a brother Maynard and his wife Hazel, 2 daughters Carol Coggins and Linda Trusty, and two son-in-laws Garret (Beano) Trusty and Charles Jansen.

A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Monday November 25, 2019 at Griffin–Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville and 1 hr. prior to the service at the church on Tuesday morning.   Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday November 26, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville with Rev. Byron Meline and Rev. Kim Kyllo officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn cemetery immediately after service. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Orven are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

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