Orville Johnson
January 20, 1933 ~ May 29, 2011
View Orville's Tribute Video
Orville Johnson, 78, of Gettysburg, formerly of DeSmet passed away, Sunday, May 29, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Pierre.
A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 3, 2011 at the UCC Church in Erwin, SD with Pastor Anita Johnson officiating. Burial followed in the Erwin Cemetery with military honors, led by Pastor Dick Nickels.
Orville Leroy Johnson was born January 20, 1933 in Erwin, SD to Fredrick and Maude (Jones) Johnson. He grew up in the Erwin area and graduated from DeSmet High School.
On September 8, 1951 Orville joined the United States Navy in Omaha, NE serving during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on June 7, 1955.
Orville married Lilliebelle Rummans in Las Vegas, NV on December 4, 1954. Through the years they lived in Watertown, Rapid City, Edgemont, and Brandon, South Dakota, Redding, California and Navarre, Florida. He worked as a linesman, manager and supervisor for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company until his retirement in 1991.
During Orville’s free time he enjoyed fishing, gardening and completing crossword puzzles.
Following the passing of his wife in 2009, Orville moved to Gettysburg to live with his daughter, Beth.
He is survived by three sons: Edward of Hampton, VA, Frank (Ana Rodriguez) of Chula Vista, CA, and Gordon (Eta) of Hampton, VA; two daughters: Beth (Doug) Hamburger of Gettysburg and Laura Johnson of Platte City, MO; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Orville was preceded in death by his wife Lillie; his parents; two brothers: Lloyd and William; two sisters: Olive Stallworth and Marjorie Onstad; and one daughter-in-law: Tina Johnson.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Orville's arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
to the Family of Orville Johnson
I remember orville as a little Girl when he worked at the standard station in Gettysburg. a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. we want to send our sympathy to all of you and may the Good Lord give you the Grace that is needed at this sad time. with sympathy Jeff & Jeanelle schaefer
Expressing our sympathy to the family. Iver and Darlene Finnesand. I worked with Orville at Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
Johnson’s, please accept my kindest regards of sympathy for the loss of Orville. Orville supported Boy Scouts in Edgemont during his stay here. I have very fond memories of all the times he took the scouts to various scouting events and places around the hills.
To The Family of Uncle Orville:
My sincerest sympathy on the passing of Uncle Orville. He was too young to leave us.
I have such fond memories of visiting you all in South Dakota when we were children, and then your mom and dad in Navarre in later years. I am so sorry I had not seen him in recent years.
Your dad, like mine, had that gentle, quiet strength and low-key sense of humor that will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry I can’t be there for the service, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Love and Condolences,
Candy(Johnson)Luchsinger
To the family of Uncle Orville: I am saddened to hear of the loss of your father. He reminded me so much of our Dad. They were so much alike and when I see Uncle Orville’s picture it brings a smile to my face. We had a lot of fun times together when you lived in South Dakota. I wish that I could be there on Friday but know that my thoughts are with you. Love, Pete, Loreen, Ben and Samantha Kramer
Beth and family of Orville,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Orville. Each day I have with my parents (they are 83 and 81)I treasure as I’m sure you treasured time with Orville. He was too young and yet we don’t understand God’s timing…again so sorry AND I’m very glad I did get to meet him and your mom a couple times in Gettysburg.
MAy God give you His peace, Nancy