WANGEN, ORVILLE E.

Orville E. Wangen, 81, of Austin, died Tuesday, July 23, 2002, at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born April 25, 1921, in Albert Lea, to Ed and Millie (Lerum) Wangen.

He graduated from Austin High School in 1938.

He began work for the George A. Hormel Company in October 1938 and retired in June 1982 as the company’s last blacksmith.

On April 25, 1941, he enlisted with the United States Marines. During World War II, he engaged in four combats: Makin, Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Iwo Jima. He was a member of Carlson’s Raiders and earned the Bronze Star in the invasion of Iwo Jima.

On April 19, 1947, he married Gretchen Van Camp at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin.

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Queen of Angels Church, Mower County Historical Society and the U.S. Marine Raider Association.

Survivors include wife, Gretchen Wangen, Austin; daughters, Joan Wangen, Elkader, Iowa; Barbara and Bryan Baker, Plymouth; Mary and Steve Riles, Rochester; sons, Ed and Nikki Wangen, Rancho Cordova, Calif.; William and Jodi Wangen, Austin; Jim and Lynn Wangen, Edina; Dan Wangen, Rancho Cordova, Calif.; six grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Heiny, Austin; brothers, Russell and Norma Wangen, Austin; John Wangen, Cannon Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard, Robert and Leo; sisters, Esther Wangen and Elaine Shroyer.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 26, 2002, with a 7 p.m. wake service and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Service: 1 p.m., Saturday, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father William Becker and Pastor Russell Wangen officiating.

Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and VFW Post #1216.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Memorials: To donor’s choice.