He started working in the summer of 1940 for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co.in their shop office. He worked there until enlisting in the United States Army, serving from October of 1942 until he was discharged in December of 1945. After basic training in Texas and Ilinois, he was sent to Great Britain in July of 1943 as a member of the 187th Ordnance Depot. Co. From his base in southern Wales, he was assigned to equip the incoming combat troops with vehicles and armaments of war. On July 7, 1944, he went ashore at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France to continue his mission. Following his discharge in December of 1945, he returned to work for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. in their sales office. Then to aid in re-activating a National Guard Co. in Clintonville, he enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard and served a hitch in the Headquarters Co. of the 127th Infantry. Orvil was the recipient of the Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, 4 Overseas Service Bars, a Service Stripe, and a Good Conduct Medal.
In the fall of 1949, the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. (FWD Co.) assigned him to a field sales position in the states of Iowa, Nebraska, and So. Dakota until the spring of 1953. In May of 1953, he began working as a manufacturing representative in the automotive aftermarket field in the states of Nebraska and Iowa until retiring in 1988. He had moved to Fremont in March of 1954.
On September 29, 1952 Orvil was married in Yankton, So. Dakota to Shirley Mae Tiegs. Shirley preceded in death on April 11, 1978. Then later, on November 30, 1980, he married Dorothy Tews Bohr in Glenview, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on April 14, 2005.
Orvil was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Fremont and also a member of VFW Post 854 of Fremont.
Survivors: 2 daughters - Mardine Kae Smith-Bovee of Renton, Washington
Shelli Rae Sorich and husband Richard of Carter Lake, Iowa
2 sons - Boyd Marquardt and wife Sharon of Lincoln
Brett Marquardt of Fremont
6 grandchildren - Stacie Shelton and husband Jeff, Chase Odenreider, Matthew Smith and wifeKristi,
Sarah Anderson and husband Paul, Bryce Marquardt, and Sydney Marquardt
3 great grandchildren - Mayann Smith, Kellen Shelton, and Mason Smith
Sister - Betty Swanson of Dallas, Texas
Orvil was preceded in death by his 2 wives Shirley and Dorothy, and a brother Arlyn Marquardt.
The funeral service will be 11 AM Tuesday (August 3rd, 2010) in the Trinity Lutheran Church (16th & Luther Rd.) with the Rev. Dan Heuer officiating. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Fremont, will be on Monday (August 2nd) from 3 to 8 PM, and also at the church Tuesday morning for an hour before the service.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(13)
Jim Haskins
Rogers, Ar Tuesday, August 3, 2010 Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have not seen you all in years but think of you often. I remember your dad driving us to out of town games in his Motor home. I lost my dad years ago and know the pain you feel. Again, sorry for your loss.Tom Bohr and Dollie Nantz
Calvin, Ky Tuesday, August 3, 2010 Marquardt Family: There are no words that can ease the loss that you bear, but you should know that you are in our every thought and prayer. We pray for the time when your sadness is replaced by smiles and pleasant memories. You were truly blessed to have had a father like Mark in your life as a parent, a role model and a friend. Dollie and I know that he will be up in heaven watching the Huskers beat up on the Big Ten.Garry and Carol Coles
St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday, August 3, 2010 We are very sorry that we can't be there with you today but be assured you are in our thoughts and prayers.mary bohr
westland, mi Monday, August 2, 2010 When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Memories are the legacy of love. My heart aches for the Marquardt family -- just remember that God is always in your corner at a time like this and so am I. Love all of you, Mary BohrRandy and Cindy Grell
Omaha, NE Monday, August 2, 2010 We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We're glad we got the chance to meet your dad at Shelli's birthday party. He looked so proud to be a part of it. May you find peace in knowing he's no longer suffering. Our prayers are with all of you . Randy and CindyJoni & John Hoelting
Spring Park, MN Monday, August 2, 2010 Shelli, we are so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. After hearing so many wonderful stories about him through the years, it was an honor to finally meet him at your 50th birthday party. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and Rich. Love, Joni & JohnJim Knoepfel
Fremont, NE Sunday, August 1, 2010 My sincere sympathy to the Orv Marquardt family. This has to be a tough time for all of you; however, we take comfort in the promise of our salvation that is ours through Jesus Christ! I give thanks for Orv. Our country owes a great deal of gratitude for what Orv and his fellow veterans have done for all of us! He was part of a great generation that proudly promoted God, country, and family. We were fortunate to be able to learn and benefit from people like him. It was always special to see him attend our Veterans Day celebration at Trinity Lutheran School. He would proudly wear his WWII uniform every year! It's important that our children learn patriotism, and we are thankful for the opportunities to thank God and our veterans for our freedoms. I am appreciate the fact that our children were able to see Orv and personally shake his hand and say, "Thank you!" He will certainly be missed.Peggy Ancona
Annandale, VA Sunday, August 1, 2010 Thoughts & prayers for all/PEACE to the entire Marquardt family! Dan & I have fond memories of Mom and Mark's visits to Washington! Mark wore Dan out wandering through the WW!! Memorial, Holocaust Museum, and Arlington cemetery. Glad he chose to reside in Fremont! In Arlington we might never find him with all the grave mix-ups identified in 2010!Fr. Jim Tiegs
Omaha, NE Sunday, August 1, 2010 To Mark's children and grandchildren. I regret that I cannot be with you as I am finishing up some Church-related travelling. I was in Missouri this past week and in Nashville TN today through Wednesday.I just happened to see the obituary in our paper. I have fond memories of Uncle Mark. He was always very gracious and friendly to me personally. I'm glad he had a full and active life. I know you will miss him. Please be assured of my prayers at this time. God bless you! Fr. Jim TiegsFr. Jim Tiegs
Omaha, NE Sunday, August 1, 2010 To Mark's children and grandchildren. I regret that I cannot be with you as I am finishing up some Church-related travelling. I was in Missouri this past week and in Nashville TN today through Wednesday.I just happened to see the obituary in our paper. I have fond memories of Uncle Mark. He was always very gracious and friendly to me personally. I'm glad he had a full and active life. I know you will miss him. Please be assured of my prayers at this time. God bless you! Fr. Jim TiegsJean Marquardt
Santa Fe, NM Saturday, July 31, 2010 Uncle Orv, It was so good to spend some time with you at Aunt Bettie's a while ago. We were so impressed that you made that trip from Fremont to Keller all in one day. Shelli, Thanks for keeping us all in the communication loop. Take care. Peace and Love, Jean MarquardtPete Bohr
Wheaton, IL Saturday, July 31, 2010 Nebraska Football and the Chicago Cubs lost its greatest fan this week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Marquardt family. Pete and Sandy BohrSuzanne Baker
Omaha, NE Friday, July 30, 2010 Shelli - so sorry to hear about your Dad. He's in a better place now and at peace. Call if you need anything or just to talk. We'll get together soon. Suzanne