John Rorvik

John Carl Rorvik, 74, of Nashua died Dec. 20, 2021, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings.

He was born March 1, 1947, to Carl and Margaret “Peggy” (Burman) Rorvik in Wolf Point. He was the eldest of eight children and took the responsibility of being the oldest to heart. He cared so much about his younger siblings. The family moved a few times in his early years as their homes of log seemed destined to catch fire. The family finally built a block house and remained there for several years dry land farming.

He and his school aged siblings walked daily to the Illmont School through the eighth grade that was about two miles away. He then ventured off to Vancouver, Wash., his freshman year, staying with his Aunt Aggie and Uncle LeRoy, where he was introduced to the Mormon faith. He returned home to help with the farm and finished up his remaining school years attending his sophomore year in Circle and then finishing out his last two years of high school in Nashua where he graduated in 1965.

After graduating he enlisted in the Army, going to Germany and then on to Vietnam. He told many stories of being a mechanic there and of crazy helicopter rides as he was lifted across the country being asked to go fix tanks or other broken down machinery. He returned home in 1969. He was very proud of his service to our country and of his lifelong membership in the VFW.

He married Donna Rees on June 13, 1970. They began their life together out on the Rees homestead where he worked for Harold until he was able to buy their own land outside of Nashua. He worked hard to expand their operation and instill his love for the land and farming/ ranching into his children through what we all lovingly call our home today — “Rorville.”

His home was always open and you would often see sisters, brothers, or even nieces and nephews staying for short and sometimes even long periods of time. He worked hard all his life — not only on his farm but also for other custom baling and hauling when he could. Even in “retirement” from his “south” mail route, he worked cows, baled hay, irrigated and repaired machinery.

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching the old western TV shows, the Weather Channel and the ag reports. He also loved fishing and watching his grandchildren play sports. He also always looked forward to the gambling trips he and Donna took with friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Rorvik; and a sister, Jennie Rorvik.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Nashua; three children: Janice of Fort Peck, Wesley of Nashua, and Jeffery of Nashua; three grandchildren; and siblings: Jerre, Jesse, Judy, Jean and Janet.

His memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 27, at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow. Burial with military honors took place Monday as well.