Orville Melvin Roeder

Orville was born Aug. 19, 1933, to Herman and Erna Roeder in Hankinson, N.D. on the family farm and passed away Oct. 27, 2018, at home at the age of 85.

He was the youngest of eight children. Orville went to school in Hankinson graduating from Hankinson High School in 1951. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army and was a medic. When home on leave, he met Lucille Ann Illies in 1954. He was honorably discharged later that year.

He then entered North Dakota State College to study to be a pediatrician, but changed to be a pharmacist. He graduated from college in 1960. While going to school, he and Lucille (Lucy) were married in August 1957 in Wahpeton, N.D. They began their family with Rick and Lori Jo in North Dakota.

Orville then accepted a job in Walla Walla with Low Cost Drug, he also worked for Walla Walla Drug and Thrifty Drug. After coming to Walla Walla, the family grew adding Perry, Mitchell and Tammy. The family joke was “every time they moved they had another child”.

After working for Low Cost Drug in Southgate until they closed in 1992, he went to work for Bi-Mart in the pharmacy in 1993 until his retirement in 2010.

Orville belonged to the Walla Walla Jaycees, won many awards and was the second Jaycee I Senator in Walla Walla. He was a life member of the Walla Walla Elks BPOE 287, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and an avid bowler with ABC and USBC and received a local lifetime membership in 2003. He was instrumental in bringing the youth state bowling tournament to Walla Walla in the early 70s. He enjoyed watching and supporting his children and grandchildren in their many sports and school activities. He was a diehard Seahawks and Mariners fan and went to ALL the Walla Walla Sweets home games until his health would not allow.

He learned to crochet to help quit smoking and made many beautiful afghans for family members and a special St. Jude afghan for Lucy’s sorority in which he held the title of Zeus for all his support. He also made flower arrangements for weddings and special occasions. His other passions were train collecting, reading books and playing cards with family and friends.

Orville is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lucille; his children, Rick (Vickie), Lori Jo, Perry, Mitchell (Trudy), and Tammy; grandchildren, Tim, Ambrea, Nicholas, Ashley (Jared), Jimmy, Andrea, Dakota and Michael; great-grandchildren, Amiria, Braiden, Quintin, Taylor, Xander and Grayson; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded by his parents; five brothers; two sisters; and a great-grandson, Marcus.

A memorial service will be held on Nov. 17, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on Roosevelt St. in Walla Walla with Pastor Steve Juergensen officiating. A remembrance reception will follow at the church. Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the funeral home or online at www.stjude.org.