Orville Rivard

Orville “Orv” J. Rivard passed away Oct 25, 2012 at Westfields Hospital, New Richmond, WI. He was born Dec 9, 1921 to Desire and Tillie (Proulx) Rivard at home in Somerset, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edward, Andrew, Clarence, and infant brother Philp, and sisters Amelia (Joe) Simon, Delia (Bill) Ward and Elma (Les) Liberty. He was married at St. Andrews Church in Monroe, LA. to Jeannette (Brown) on Jan 16, 1943. They were married for 69 years. They were blessed with five children; Lynn (Carol) Rivard of Heartsell AL., Karen Peterson of Stillwater, MN., Janet Rivard of New Richmond, WI., Jean Rivard of Stillwater, MN., and Lee (Jackie) Rivard of New Richmond, WI. Twelve Grandchildren; Joe (Dyan) Rivard, Jimmy (Jenny) Rivard, Jennifer (Chris) Haut, Lee Roy Peterson, Tom Peterson, Jason (Dee Dee) Halvorson, Aimee (Mark) Flatten, Chris Philen, Laura Philen, Renee (Mike) Sandidge, Sgt. First Class Michelle Rivard, Evelyn (Jeremy) Lewis. Great Grandchildren; Emily, Ryan, Jimmy, Jessica, Alissa, Tommy, Timmy, Rich, Luke, Tyler, Presely, Ryder, Blake, Tyler, Austin, Brady, Abby, Connor, Savea, Brenna, Annika, Nyah, Gunnar, Reanna, and Tannar. Great Great Grandson Trey. Orville grow up in Somerset, WI. and attended St. Anne’s Grade School and Somerset High School. He loved tinkering with old radios, watches, and cars. He joined the Army Air Force in 1942 and was stationed at Camp Robins as a field medic, later to Selman Field in Monroe, LA. After making a table for an officer, he was put in charge of the wood convalescent shop. In 1945 he was shipped to the Philippines. Peace was declared on the journey over and he returned to the United States in Jan of 1945 and returned home. Orville and his brother Andrew wired electricity in several area farmhouses. Later, he worked in a car repair business run by Harry and Alore Anderson. He was a former Somerset Fire Chief and a lifetime Somerset Legion Post 111. He also was a lifetime member of St. Anne’s Church. He was hired by Andersen Windows in Dec. of 1948, where he worked for 35 years. First in the carpenter shop and then the mechanic shop where he designed and built Andersen Windows’s first paint machine. He drove the van of workers for several years and was only late once when Landing Hill was closed due to ice. Summer months he traveled on his Harley and only the snow kept him off it. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather. He loved fishing and hunting, and being with his family and grand kids. Our Papa will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Monday October 29, 2012 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, Wisconsin. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment St. Anne’s Cemetery with full Military Honors by the Somerset American Legion Post #111. Memorials preferred to St. Anne’s Church or School.