Donald Roy Orgon

Donald Roy Orgon, 91, died at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji, MN, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with Military Honors at 2:00 p.m. Feel free to honor Don by wearing your favorite plaid.

Don was born to Roy A. Orgon and Evelyn B. (Albertson) Orgon on August 24, 1933. He was the second child with older sister Jeannette and two younger sisters, Marlene and Catherine.

Don was born in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up in North Minneapolis, honing his practical prank skills on those neighborhood streets. He spent summers farming with his maternal uncles in Wisconsin. When he was a teenager, the family moved to Rockford, MN across the road from the Crow River. Living in the country deepened his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed many sports and played “town ball” baseball, managing the Rogers, MN Amateur Baseball team and winning the 1965 state tournament.

Don joined the Airforce in December 1952, becoming an Airman, Systems Mechanic. He served with honor until December of 1956. He had many stories about his service years, including learning to play harmonica, meeting Elvis, and making his movie debut as an extra in The Glenn Miller Story.

Don married Marjorie Johnson on August 24, 1957. They raised 4 children, Terri, Mike, Bob and Howard. In the early years, the family lived in Brooklyn Park and relocated to Bemidji in 1967 to live among the woods and the waters.

Don worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone in various roles throughout his career. As a union member from the late 1950s into the 1990s, he was deeply committed to union efforts. To strengthen his union work, Don took classes in Labor Law at the University of Minnesota. He served as Head Union Steward of the North District in the Twin Cities and in Bemidji, he served as Communication Workers of America (CWA) union president and vice-president. Don was proud that he never backed down when dealing with management. While on the job in 1965, Don responded to a serious car accident and delivered lifesaving first aid to an injured driver. He received commendations from the Red Cross and Northwestern Bell for his fast and knowledgeable action. Don retired at age 50, when the Bell System and AT&T split in 1984. His leadership didn’t end with his professional retirement, and he served many years as a member of the Frohn Township board and part of the neighborhood watch.

Early retirement gave Don plenty of time to pursue personal interests. He learned woodcarving and made “Donald’s Ducks”, loons, chickadees, and bluebirds. He began playing golf regularly and played into his late 80s. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with friends and family. When Geese Unlimited introduced geese back to the Bemidji area, Don helped raise goslings on his property. Don loved music, particularly Lawrence Welk and the musicals of his time. He entertained family and friends with harmonica renditions and was a beautiful whistler.

He proudly supported grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their endeavors. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Don is survived by his wife Marge, daughter Terri and son-in-law Dean Bentler, son Bob, and son Howard and daughter in-law Karen. Grandchildren Sara Zimmerman, Carrie Howard and Ross, Alex Orgon and Brittany Hanson, Casey Orgon and Laura, Tyler Orgon, Caitlin Orgon, and Jared Orgon. Great-grandchildren Conor and Evi Stodgell, Abby and Izzy Orgon, Elsi and Brynn Orgon.

He was predeceased by his parents, sisters, and son Mike.

Memorial donation may be made to United Way of Bemidji to the Disaster Relief Fund https://www.unitedwaybemidji.org/disaster-recovery or Project Canopy, First National Bank Bemidji https://www.fnbbemidji.com/news-events/news/project-canopy/.

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