Orris M. Bang, 87, Killdeer, ND died Sunday, August 19, 2007 at Hill Top Home of Comfort, Killdeer. Funeral services for Orris will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Killdeer with Rev. Arlen Lundgerg and Rev. Steven Schou. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, Killdeer. Visitation will be Monday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m., visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to service time. Military honors will be provided by the Killdeer American Legion, Ezra Barrows Post #46.
Orris M. Bang was born January 6, 1920 to Tom and Mabel (Bergerud) Bang in rural Dunn County. Orris was raised on the family farm northwest of Killdeer. He graduated from Model High in Dickinson, ND and shortly afterwards he moved to California. Orris worked for Douglas Aircraft Corporation which took him to Africa as an aircraft technician. During this time, Orris traveled to several other countries including, Australia, India and Ethiopia. Just a couple of highlights on his travels was seeing the Great Pyramids and Mount Sinai. Orris returned to Dunn County in 1944 and married Alice Knutson on July 9, 1944. Shortly after the wedding Orris left for basic training in the US Army and did not return until after his honorable discharge in 1946. Upon his return, Orris and his family began their own farming and ranching operation. In addition to farming and ranching Orris began his own business building dams and roads.
Orris was a firm believer in being involved in community work. He served on the Oakdale and Killdeer Public School Boards, St. John’s Church Board, the FHA Board, the Dunn County Historical and Dunn County Cancer Societies, and was the Dunn County Commissioner for eight years. Orris was an avid supporter of Dickinson State University academic and sports programs as well as the TR Foundation.
Orris is survived by his wife, Alice; three children, Kayleen (George) Nodland, Dickinson, Marleen (Chuck) Lowman, Sidney, MT, and Terrald (Carol) Bang, Killdeer; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great, great-grandchild; three sisters, Lois Reller, Bella Vista, AR, Shirley Frerck, Billings, MT, and Thelma Reems, Killdeer; and one brother, Thorvald (Lois) Bang, Killdeer. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dale and James Bang. The family requests that memorials be given in lieu of flowers.
