Orinne Patricia Werhan

 Orinne Patricia Barsness Werhan passed away peacefully September 10, 2024. Orinne was born to Odin and Ruth Barsness April 15, 1939 the fourth child of five children, in Starbuck, Minnesota. Graduating from Starbuck High School she moved to the Minneapolis St. Paul area where she met Gerald “Jerry” Everett Werhan at a piano bar. They were married April 22, 1967. It was a year later their daughter Paula was born April 29, 1968. Five years later their son Jeremy was born on August 3, 1973. Orinne worked different jobs throughout her life. She was a Girl Scout leader, very involved in the Ladies Aid at the church. She was an Avon Representative for many years. In 1980 they moved to Bertha, Minnesota, and became owners of their own business which transported milk from farms to MidAm Dairy. 

Orinne was constantly on the move with taking Jeremy to all of his hockey practices, and games. One of her favorite memories was being the chaperone for Paula and her church friends to travel to Purdue University for a large, country-wide youth gathering. As a family, they spent most weekends exploring , camping, and travelling around Minnesota. As a result they became very acquainted with their state. They attended many family gatherings over the years.

Soon after the passing of her husband, Orinne moved to Montana to live closer to her daughter and to help where she was needed. Conrad was her home from 2005 until her passing. A loyal Viking fan, she rooted for and watched them all of her life. Orinne will be remembered for her infectious smile, her laughter, and her positive way of keeping everyone on their toes. When asked what was her favorite color the response was “ all of the colors”! She was a spunky little spitfire all of her life! 

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Jerry; sisters, Muriel Holslin and Marlys Smith; brother, Odin Barsness; brothers-in-law Glenn Burton, Doug Smith and Delroy Scheelk; niece Debbie Smith and Danny Holslin and Kevin Scheelk, nephews. She always felt the loss of her beloved companion, Scrappy.

Orinne is survived by daughter, Paula (Larry) Moulton and grandchildren, Karina (Nick) VanDyke, Mariah (Connor) Peters, Amanda Moulton; son, Jeremy (Erin)Werhan and grandchildren, Allyson , Connor, Owen and Blake Wehan; great grandson, Caleb VanDyke. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families; sister, Dagny Scheelk; sisters-in-law, Thelma Burton and Madeline Barsness; and brothers-in-law, Chuck (Lois)Werhan and Maurice Holslin.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, September 17, at 5:00 pm at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 am at Balsamlund Cemetery in Aldrich, MN.