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Orrin Crockett, 90, of Langdon, ND passed away December 20, 2007 at the Maple Manor Care Center of Langdon, ND
Orrin D. Crockett was born July 1, 1917, the first-born son of Lawrence and Edith (Witzel) Crockett. He was raised on the family farm north of Langdon, which was also home to five sisters and two brothers. Orrin always had a passion for the land he worked, and although he enjoyed diversions such as bowling, playing cards, and visiting with family and friends, he truly farmed to live and lived to farm.
Orrin often recounted his young adulthood when he worked in CC camps during the depression and drove over-the-road truck for Farmers Union. Orrin was a living example of how tough times can build good character. Orrin served in the United States military during World War II but was called home during his stint in the service to care for his siblings and the family farm upon the death of both parents.
“O.C” as he was known by many was a friend to many and he enjoyed people stopping in for coffee and “tall tales” at the shop.
On July 21 of 1949 Orrin married the love of his life, Alma Kruger, of Dresden, only a few miles down the road from his farm. The couple made their first home in a downtown apartment in Langdon before building their present home on 12th Street. The two were blessed with the births of two children; Diane and Terry. Despite Orrin’s contention that he built the house two feet too narrow, their home and farm became the hub of activity as they extended a welcome to all. Orrin was involved with the Shriners and regularly paid his respects as a member of the Last Man’s Club. Orrin enjoyed steak nights at the Langdon Country Club and together Orrin and Alma enjoyed square dancing as well. Untold numbers of card games were once played at the old farmhouse on the farm, and Orrin spent more than a few winter hours at the local bowling alley in those days. He always enjoyed visiting and sharing stories with people from all walks of life. Orrin enjoyed to laugh and more than once he was reprimanded for laughing at his own jokes.
Celebrating their 40th Anniversary Orrin and Alma took their children and the spouses to Hawaii, and in true Orrin fashion, the second day was starting to get long. Orrin enjoyed his home and the farm and had no lofty wishes and except for the extra two feet on the house, never hoped for more.
He is survived by his wife Alma of Langdon, ND, son Terry (Susan) Crockett of Langdon, daughter Diane (Jim) Petersburg of Kennedy, MN, grandchildren; RaeEllen Crockett, Brady Crockett, Kyle Petersburg and Kayla Petersburg, sisters: Margaret (Tom) Chaput of Ypsilanti, MI; Laura (Jack) Rutten of Goleta, CA; Shirley (William) Burtenhouse of Apache Junction, AZ; sisters-in-law: Della Crockett of Langdon, ND and Betty Crockett of Devils Lake, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Perry and Floyd, sisters Eileen Hawken and Mavis Swenson.
VISITATION Sunday December 23, 2007 beginning at 5:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service all at the Brooks Funeral Home of Langdon, ND. Visitation will also take place for one hour before the time of the services at the church on Monday.
SERVICES Monday December 24, 2007 at 10:00am at the Presbyterian Church of Langdon, ND.
INTERMENT Lebanon Cemetery, Langdon, ND.
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Alma, Terry, Diane and family,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Orrin was very much like a grandfather to me and taught me many things as I grew up working with him and his wonderful family over the many years. I will always have fond memories of the first time he let me drive the 7700 combine west of the farm. I wasn't much over five years old. I always looked forward to harvest season with him and riding in the truck with Diane and Terry. I often think of the many great conversations in the shop or around the pickup, as we would load the bed up with rocks. I especially enjoyed the conversation around the trunk of the car when Alma brought out Dinner. Orrin always enjoyed a great meal after a hard day of work. In the shop, Orrin always had an ice cream bar for you from the freezer, but before giving you the ice cream bar he'd ask if I had earned my salt that day. He played a big part in teaching us about hard work and what it really meant to earn your salt as well as living within one's means. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Love, Scott and Tammy Crockett
Alma and family,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know you will have lots of memories to cherish. I remember how Orin loved to tease me as I was growing up. I remember how he would laugh and laugh when he would pull a good trick on me. He had a great smile and you saw it all the time. Living next door holds many good memories for me also. I appreciate what both of you did for my parents through the years and Alma, especially when my mother was at the Nursing Home in Northwood. Thank You.
Joanne (Knutson)Gerhold
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