Charles Duane Orvik 1936 - 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Chuck attended Augsburg College and Concordia College before he enlisted in the US Navy. He served 2 years in Japan and 2 years as a legal yeoman in San Diego, CA. After honorable discharge, he enrolled in the University of North Dakota and graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration and continued to UND School of Law where he earned and LLB and JD. He worked part-time jobs at the Bronze Boot Lounge and the State Mill & Elevator throughout his years at UND.

He met Bonnie Ellingrud, the love of his life, while at UND. They were married August 21, 1960 in Rugby.

While at UND, Chuck was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and was an active participant in the Jaycees as the chapter director, VP, and State director. He earned the Spark Plug award, the Spoke award, and attended the National Jaycee convention in NY.

Chuck was elected and served 20 years as the Pierce County States Attorney. Giving back to his community and to the organizations that had helped support him through his childhood was a major part of Chuck’s heart. He served on the Board of Directors for ND Lutheran Social Services, North Central Human Services, and ND States Attorney Association. He served as Chairman of the Good Samaritan Hospital Association, Bethany Lutheran Church, NE Judicial Bar Association while in Rugby, Travelers Country Club on the Mississippi in Clear Lake, and SVE Golf Condo in Mesa, AZ. He volunteered on the advisory council for Vocational Agriculture, several state child protection and prevention of child abuse committees, and as special assistant to the ND State Attorney General. Chuck found ways to improve the area he was in whether at Rugby or Lake Metigoshe, ND, in AZ, or in MN and was engaged in many other non-profit organizations for the betterment of community and purpose.

Chuck co-wrote a book about his childhood, “The Brothers’ Keepers” (with John Paddison). He wanted to share his story to bring awareness of the difficult upbringing he endured with hopes of preventing similar situations for other children.

Chuck loved to hunt, fish, golf and time spent at the lake. He golfed with friends, and he golfed countless rounds in AZ and MN with his very special golf buddies, his two grandsons. He would play card games mostly so that his wife was happy, but would play Bridge with family and close friends because he knew how much Bonnie loved it.

Chuck entered eternity 9 days after his beloved wife, Bonnie.

Chuck is survived by his daughter JaniRae Wern (Ed) of Maple Grove, MN; grandsons Brady (Courtney) of Greenwood, IN, and Riley (Sophia) of St Louis Park, MN; great grandchildren Rosco and Savannah; brothers Robin Orvik, Rapid City, SD; Stuart Orvik, AZ; and half-sister Jean Paddison, Gold Canyon, AZ and brother-in law Ray Ellingrud (Mary) of Apple Valley, MN and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for August 2nd in Maple Grove, and later a military honors burial at the Fargo National Cemetery,. Arrangements are being made by Kozlak-Radulovich, Maple Grove, MN.