Orrie R. Huizenga , 89, 17700 86th Street N.W. Minot, died Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at his home.

Orrie was born January 24, 1917, on a farm north of Minot, to Arthur and Sarah Huizenga. He was educated at the Waterford Township School. As a youth, he enjoyed playing baseball on the Waterford Tigers team. After the death of his mother in 1937, he assisted in raising his younger brothers and sisters. During his younger years, Orrie and several of his siblings formed their own country western band. Later, he was also a drummer for the Chub Widdel band and several other area country western and old-time music bands.

Orrie was united in marriage to Gladys Sampson on August 30, 1946, in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. Throughout the years, they made their home on the family farmstead in Waterford Township, where they grew small grains and raised cattle and sheep. Along with his farming interests, he drove school bus for the Des Lacs-Burlington School District for over 22 years.

Orrie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church - Minot and served as an usher at Trinity Lutheran Church - rural Minot. He served on the Farmer's Union Elevator Board of Directors and served as the president of the Waterford School Board. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, North Dakota Farmer's Union and was an active member of the Minot Blind support group. He loved music, dancing, conversation with friends and family gatherings. For the past several years, Orrie had taken wonderful, devoted care of his wife, after she lost her vision.

His loving family includes : His wife of nearly 60 years, Gladys; Children: Cheryl (Ray) Kabanuk, Minot, Larry (Rhonda) Huizenga, Burlington, Lee (Jane) Huizenga, Bismarck, and Leon Huizenga, Minot; Grandchildren: Shawn, Sara, Devin and Alex; Sisters: Alice (Harry) Cramer, Chicago, IL, May Saastad and Helen Mork, Minot; Brothers: Edward Huizenga, San Francisco, CA, Harry Huizenga, Golden, CO and LeRoy Huizenga, Lisbon, ND; Aunt: Betty Shirk, Spokane, WA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Orrie was preceded in death by his parents, infant son: Loren, sister: Audrey and brother: Robert Sr.

Funeral service : Saturday, August 12, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot;
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot;
Visitation : Friday from 2:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot;