Orin G. Stormoen passed away peacefully on March 6, 2015, at Villa Pines Living Center, where he had been a resident for over 5 years. Orin was born March 1, 1922, in Dellwood, Wisconsin, the 11th of 15 children born to Sine Stormoen (Johnson) and Ole Stormoen. Orin excelled in school but left after finishing 7th grade to help on the family farm following his father’s sudden death in a motor vehicle accident. Orin joined the Army during WWII, leaving home at age 22. He fought in Patton’s Army, was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, and is a Purple Heart recipient. Orin married Grace Brooks on December 30, 1949; they moved to Arkdale where they lived for sixty years and raised their seven children. Orin was a self-taught and very accomplished carpenter, specializing in cabinetry and other finish work. He worked much of his adult life as a carpenter, and, before his retirement, at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant in Baraboo, WI. A wizard at creating blueprints in his head, Orin could build or repair just about anything. While a modest man with little formal education, Orin was respected by all who knew him as a smart, reliable, and hard-working craftsman. Orin was also well-known for his dry wit, his sense of humor, and his extraordinary kindness and generosity to others. Orin loved pitching horseshoes, a favorite pastime that won him many first-place trophies.
Orin’s life and legacy live on in his children: Donna Leonardi (Dan) of Janesville, WI; Doris Stormoen (Leslie Schwalm) of Iowa City, IA; Allen Stormoen of Madison, WI; Dennis Stormoen of Santa Barbara, CA; Carol Brogan (Ed) of DeForest, WI; Dale Stormoen (Michelle) of Prairie du Chien, WI; and Teresa Wildeck (Steve) of Fitchburg, WI, as well as his 15 beautiful grandchildren, two adorable great granddaughters, beloved sisters Orpha Glen and Betty Owens (Russell), and a great many nieces and nephews. All love him and will hold him deeply and forever in their hearts. Orin will also be very fondly remembered by his Villa Pines “family.” He was preceded in death by his wife and a great many relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church this Friday, 6-8pm and on Saturday, 10-11am; a celebration of Orin’s life will follow at 11am. The interment for both Orin and Grace will be at the South Arkdale Cemetery following the service.
So so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father and mine use to work together many years ago. Our family knew him for years and talked very highly of him. Always had a smile on his face. I’m sure my dad and yours are talking old times.
Donna and all of Orin’s family. I am sorry for the loss of your father. I knew Orin from years ago when I worked in Arkdale. He was a nice fellow. Donna, I am blessed to have gotten to know you througjout your Dads illness. You have my most sincere condolences.
Thinking of all of you! my deepest sympathy,
To all of the Stormoen Children,
What an honor it was to know your parents and grow in a community where we learned so much from them and others. That generation taught us so much. I will always have a part of your father and great memories when I go into my “4-H Shed” which he built for me so many years ago. I will truly miss him coming over to see my at the Old Farmers Fall Festival and the Fair. I so enjoyed being able to announce his presence on the grounds. He always seemed to recognize my voice as I announced the events. I will miss that Hug and Kiss from him. I am sorry I will miss the services for him as I am not feeling well and don’t think I should spread this around. Please know that the Great Spirit Above along with our Heavenly Father will comfort you with your memories. God Bless all of you.
Betty & Russ and all of Orin’s family – So sorry for your loss. We worked at Badger Ordinance with Orin. What a nice man he was. May God comfort all of you at this sad time.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with all of you.
So very sorry for your loss. Sounds like a wonderful guy. Certainly will be missed. Heaven received a great blessing. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Rest in peace Mr. Stormoen.
To “Pa’s” family and friends, I have so many wonderful memories of spending time at Stormoen’s. I don’t think I have ever seen this man without a smile on his face. He always had a way of making you feel like you were one of the family. I could never go around the corner in Arkdale without thinking of this family. I am so sorry for your loss, he (along with Grace) will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences at this most difficult time because it never matters how old they are when they die, they are still your parents.
Donna and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. But how fortunate for you all to have him for so long into your adult lives. So many happy memories. Prayers and hugs being sent during this difficult time.
Not a finer man. I read his obituary/legacy and feel humbled. One of my Dads favorites{Ken Jensen}; and feel honored and fortunate to have known Orin.
To Orin Stormoen family,
Sorry to hear of his passing. Such a sincere and passion for life man. He always had a knack for making you laugh and always had so many things to tell you. He was a wonderful neighbor. If you needed any advice or help he was always ready to help. I will treasure all the memories and always remember you in your bib overalls driving down the town roads in your little red truck. Never had to worry about you speeding. Quite a man you were. Now may you rest in peace. I will miss you but all the memories will always be in my heart.
Rex, Nancy, Heidi , Jeremy Wical
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Another great loss to our community and his family and friends. Sincere sympathy from our family including my brother Vern Holm.
To Orin’s family ,sorry to hear of his passing, Hope you all remember the good memories and looking through the family albums, and stay close as that is what he and Grace would both want you to do, may they both be together in heaven and happy to be together.
Bertie Tolley family Barbara and family
Stormoen family,
I’m sorry to hear of Orin’s passing. He was a good and gentle man. I always enjoyed hearing his stories of growing up. Enjoy those wonderful memories you have!
So sorry for your loss, sending prayers to help you through this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers to his family.
sorry for your lost
he was a good man to take care of at villa pines I will miss him dearly
he always enjoy seeing the dogs and cats that I took in for a visit
may god have him now and he is happy now to be with god
My prayers are with the family now
What a fun man he was with his dry sense of humor. The former elite of horseshoe-throwers are gone; Norm, Kenny, Rudy and now Orin. What pleasurable times they had… and they were GOOD! Orin and Grace raised a fine family……any connection I had with you kids as you grew up was a pleasure. Thank you. Remember all the good times and treasure those memories. May God bless you all.
We will miss seeing Orin and his smile! May the love of family and friends wrap their arms around you and give you peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He lived a long and full life and will be missed. He’ll be throwing horseshoes in heaven and Grace will be cheering him on. My prayers are with you all.
Orin, always had a smile, and a laugh. He had a true knack for throwing horse shoes. When we would stop, for Christmas Caroling, Orin and Grace, would always make you feel welcome. Praying for peace and comfort, from the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He always was a fierce competitor in horseshoes and enjoyed the game!
So sorry on your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Orin. Loved to talk about horseshoes. MAY God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time