Velferd Lee Van Orden

Velferd Lee "Dutch" Van Orden, 82, of Livingston, Montana passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Livingston Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 1st, at St. Marys Catholic Church. A Vigil Prayer Service and Rosary will be held 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 30th at St. Marys. Viewing will be held Thursday, 3:00-5:00 P.M. at Franzen-Davis. Graveside Committal and Veterans Honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Following the burial a reception will be held at the St. Marys Catholic School Gymnasium. Memorials are preferred to: The St. Marys School Scholarship Fund: 511 S F St, Livingston, MT 59047. Dutch was born on September 21, 1932, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of Velferd M. and Effie Della (Perry) Van Orden. He received his education in Livingston attending Park County High School. Dutch entered active military service in the United States, ARMY on October 28, 1949, and served his country during the Korean War. Dutch served in the Infantry and was awarded UNSvc Medal and the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service to his country. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 27, 1952 at Fort Ord in California having earned the Rank of Corporal. On April 11, 1952, Dutch was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Dolores Tecca, at the St. Marys Catholic Church in Livingston. This union was blessed with two children, Daughter, Debra and Son, Timothy. They shared 63 years of marriage. Following his military service Dutch worked for the Park Lumber Company. He then took employment with the Northern Pacific Railroad. He was employed for the next 45 years as a Machinist with the railroad before his retirement on October 1, 1993. Dutch was very active with his service to St. Marys Church and was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus. He served in the capacity of Financial Secretary and District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus. He and Dolores enjoyed traveling in their retirement. They took trips around Montana in their motorhome and also traveled to Italy and Hawaii. Dutchs pride and joy was his home; it was his castle. He spent countless hours tending to his yard and keeping up the house. Dutch will be remembered as a guy you could count on to give you a hand with a project at any time. He was a hardworking and caring Husband, Father and Grandfather. He had the prettiest glimmering blue eyes and was always ready with a complement for the ladies. We are blessed with so many great memories. WE WILL MISS YOU DAD. Dutch is survived by his: Loving wife of 63 years Dolores Van Orden of Livingston. Daughter Debra Johnson and her husband, Larry of Hardin, MT. Son, Tim Van Orden of Livingston, currently residing in Thailand. Grandchildren, Bethany Fuchs and her husband, Chris; Aaron Johnson; Sarah Snodgrass and her husband, Jon; Jennifer Schaff and her husband, Brandon. Great-Grandchildren, Katelyn and Lucy Fuchs; Isabella and Cru Johnson; Lilly Schaff and Nora Snodgrass. Brothers, Paul Van Orden of Bozeman and Perry Van Orden and his wife Lela of Livingston. Sister, Barb Shandy of Livingston. Nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Dutch is preceded in death by his, Parents, Velferd M. and Effie Della Van Orden; Sisters, Evelyn Chase and Joyce Vander Voort; Brother, Ramond Van Orden; Brother-in-law Buck Shandy and Sister-in-law Blanche Van Orden. We extend our most sincere gratitude to the staff of Livingston Health and Rehabilitation for their dedicated caregiving while Dutch was struggling with Alzheimers disease over the past few years. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.