Ronald A. Orvik
Ronald Alfred Orvik, 82, of Benson, Minnesota, passed away with his family by his side Sunday, October 4, 2026, at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank in Minneapolis.
A memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Sunday, November 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. There will also be visitation one hour before the memorial service Monday. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Shelly, Minnesota.
Ron was born August 3, 1944, in Halstad, Minnesota, to Alfred and Arlene (Berg) Orvik. As a young child, Ron lived with his family on a farm in Good Hope Township. Following his father's death in 1956, Ron moved to Shelly with his mother and sister.
He graduated from Climax High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College in Moorhead with a double major in business education and history/political science. Ron was proud to be a Concordia Cobber and wore his Concordia class ring throughout his life. He continued his education during his career, completing additional college coursework equivalent to a master’s degree.
July 22, 1972, Ron married the love of his life, Lynne Matteson, at the Shelly-Marsh River Lutheran Church in Shelly, Minnesota. Together, they made their home in Benson and raised three children: Lee, Thea, and Scott. Ron and Lynne recently celebrated 54 years of marriage, during which they made each other and their family the center of their life together. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids, laughing with them, providing treats for them, and encouraging and supporting them in their endeavors. He showed his family how to love well and serve others.
Ron devoted 47 years to teaching business and accounting at Benson High School, where he taught in the same classroom for his entire career. For 40 of those years, he also served as yearbook advisor. Ron retired from teaching in 2012, but continued subbing at Benson High School until 2020. He believed teaching was one of the most honorable professions a person could choose.
Outside the classroom, Ron enjoyed gardening and researching family history and genealogy. He was a kind, gentle man. Sharing stories about family history brought him great joy. His family and friends loved listening, especially hearing his laughter and the enthusiasm he brought to each story.
Ron was deeply proud of his Norwegian heritage. He and Lynne traveled to Norway three times. He loved talking about Norway, collecting and displaying Norwegian items in their home, and keeping Norwegian traditions alive in their family. He was a member of the Sons of Norway, serving as his lodge’s treasurer and newsletter editor. He was also a longtime member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson.
Ron is survived by his wife, Lynne; his children: Lee (Sara) Orvik of Cambridge, Thea (Josh) Lowman of Cambridge, and Scott (Kelly) Orvik of Annandale; his seven grandchildren: Ella, Josie, Ava, Keagen, Anya, Bergen, and Cullen; his sister, Twilla Swalstad of Savage; and four nieces and nephews: Wanda Johnson, Todd Swalstad, Dawn VonBank, and Julie Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred; his mother, Arlene; and his stepfather, Clarence Lee.
Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.