Services for Ordean Rystad

Johnson Funeral Service, Oklee, MN

Ordean Rystad, 72, died suddenly on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at his residence near Oklee, MN while cutting wood.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Salem Lutheran Church north of Oklee, MN with Rev. Margaret Jacobus officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Oklee American Legion Post #159.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral.

Ordean Harlen Rystad was born August 1, 1944 in Oklee, MN the son of Olaf and Hazel (Christianson) Rystad.  He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee.  Ordean graduated from Oklee High School in 1963.

In 1965, Ordean was drafted into the United States Army.  He served in the Korean DMZ Conflict as a sergeant.  Following an Honorable Discharge in 1967, he lived and worked in Spokane, WA, eventually returning to the Oklee area, purchasing the Rystad grandparents farm in 1976. 

Ordean was united in marriage to Phyllis Westlake in Oklee, MN.  They made their home on their farm north of Oklee, where they raised their two children, a son, Justin and a daughter, Carmen.  Along with farming, Ordean worked a number of years at Homark/Detroiter Manufactured Homes in Red Lake Falls, MN, before taking a job at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, MN where he worked for 25 years first as a welder, and later in Maintenance Repair.  He retired in May of 2013.

Ordean enjoyed hunting and fishing, and ice-fishing in the winter.  He loved being outdoors.  He enjoyed gardening and going to auction sales, and also machinery and auto repair.  His greatest pride was his three grandchildren who he enjoyed spending time with, appreciating each one for their individuality.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Justin (Cindy) Rystad of Oklee, MN and daughter, Carmen of Oklee; three grandchildren, Dawson, Grayson and Payton; two sisters, Myonne (John) Sanders of Arlington, TX and Elaine Boardman of Sheboygan WI; one brother, Orlando of Brooks, MN; four nieces, and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Hazel; an infant sister, Wanda; and his grandparents, Ole and Pauline Rystad, and Henry and Julia Christianson.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com