Orville Laugen

Orville Conrad Laugen, 85, a resident of Devils Lake, and formerly of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, October 26, 2008, at the Heartland Care Center in Devils Lake, ND. He was born January 18, 1923, in Fergus Falls, the son of John and Clara (Seem) Laugen. He grew up in Elizabeth Township of Otter Tail County and attended country school at District #230. On March 18, 1944 he married Cynthia Garberg in Fergus Falls. On January 20, 1945 he enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving with the 187TH glider infantry occupation forces in Japan during World War II as a rifleman and truck driver. He received five decorations: the Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon, the Army of Occupation Medal of Japan, the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert Rifleman Medal. Orville farmed most of his life. He enjoyed fishing from his raft on Long Lake, hunting, visiting with neighbors, and spending time with his family. He was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, where he served on the Board, sang in the choir, and was not afraid of helping in the kitchen. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Clara Laugen; his brother, Elroy Laugen; two sisters: Muriel Landberg and Alma (Abbot) Heinicke; and a son-in-law, Loren Backstrom. Survivors include his wife Cynthia, of Devils Lake;  two daughters: Linda (Mark) Brusven of Devils Lake, and their children: Kim (Jeff) Trana and son Jayce of Devils Lake, Bob (Jess) Brusven of Honfleur, France and their children Brittany, Wyatt and Cameron, and Jeff (Amelia) Brusven of Meriden, Kansas, and their children Morgan and Colton, and JoAnne (Daryle) Bjur of Jamestown, ND, and their children: Kevin (Amanda) Backstrom and their children Ella, Marie, and Grace of Erhard, MN, and Kelly (Mason) Thompson of St. Cloud, MN and their daughter Tyra; and a brother Glen (Margaret) Laugen of Fergus Falls, as well as several nieces and nephews. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Augustana Lutheran Church in Elizabeth Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns Interment: Augustana Lutheran Church Cemetery in Elizabeth Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com