Orn Lee Hier

Orn Lee Hier, 95, passed away surrounded by family and friends at St Mary's hospital in Rochester, MN, on Monday, Nov 6, 2017. Orn was born March 24, 1922, to Norris and Christine (Schmeichel) Hier on the farm in McLaughlin, SD, and graduated in 1941. Orn worked for Safeway Grocery and Boeing Air Craft in Seattle, WA, and helped with his dads farming until he was drafted in the Army in 1942 during WWII. He served with the 10th Armored Division and Company A of the Armored Medical Battalion. Orn returned home from the Army in 1946 to McLaughlin and started farming with his dad and rented land for his first crop. He met Irene Brockel and they married Nov 12, 1949, and built their first home in 1952. Orn enjoyed farming with his brother Maynard, raising a few Hereford cattle and driving school bus. He enjoyed going to coffee twice a day, going to high school sporting events and dancing with Irene. Orn loved to sing the oldies, had a wonderful singing voice and played the harmonica on request. He had an incredible memory and recall of dates and places he had visited. The experiences while serving during World War II were especially dear to him. Orn was a very proud veteran. He served as Mayor of McLaughlin, Better McLaughlin Club, Masons, Shriners, American Legion, Crop Improvement and FSA County Committee. They had three children: Lee Niles born 1952, Scott born 1954 and Kaye born 1961. He is survived by his children, Scott (Paula) Hier, Aberdeen, SD, and Kaye (Pat) John, Jamestown, ND; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Orn is also survived by his special loving friend, Methal Majorowicz of Rochester and her close family. He will be GREATLY missed. Orn was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; son, Lee; parents, Norris and Christine (Schmeichel) Hier; brothers; a sister; and a grandson. A spring memorial service is planned in Bismarck with burial at the ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. Watch Facebook and newspaper for announcements. Memorials may be given to donor’s choice.