Larry Orgaard

Larry James Orgaard, 73, Center, ND, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at a Bismarck Hospital surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, May 9th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Betty Hagel Memorial Center, Center, ND. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Larry was born May 5th, 1951 in Bismarck, ND, to Stanley and Agnes (Hayes) Orgaard. He was raised on the farm outside of Center, ND and attended Center High School. He attended Hanson’s Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, ND where he acquired his diesel mechanic degree. He met the love of his life, Sharon (Mosbrucker) Orgaard in high school and they were united in marriage on January 15th, 1972, in Fargo, ND. They moved back to the Orgaard farm in 1973 where they eventually welcomed two beautiful daughters that Larry treasured very much. Larry and Sharon just celebrated 53 years of marriage in January.

Larry’s mechanic career began at Northern Improvement. He worked there for a stint and then went to Glenherald Mine for a few years and then back to Northern Improvement. He worked a little under 30 years between the two places before he got hired at BNI Coal Mine. This is where Larry spent the next 20 years working until he retired in 2014. Larry and Sharon spent the early years of retirement traveling south to Texas in their motorhome. He cherished this time so much.

Larry loved fishing, hunting, and camping. Simply visiting on the front deck over a couple of Coors Lights could make his day. Most days, he could be found playing in the dirt with his Case skidsteer, including building a one-hole golf course and anything else he could find to break up. Larry cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren the most. One of his favorite things to do was walk around the farm with Sharon and their two dogs, Syngen and Cricket. Larry was also a Ham Radio operator, with call-sign, N0IYN. He became a collector of knives and coins after retirement. Larry was very well known for his witty one-liners with the ultimate goal, to get a rise out of the recipient.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon Orgaard; his two daughters, Nickolette (Gene Weil) Orgaard and their children; Ariane (Zak) Sarsten, Marah and Titan; and Christal (Kurt) Lennick and their son, Brady. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ron (Vivian) Mosbrucker, sister-in-law, Shirley Bauer, sister-in-law, Alice Janke; two great grandchildren; Parker and Lincoln Sarsten and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Agnes Orgaard; two sisters, Linda Orgaard and Joan Fitzsimmons; four brother in-laws, Ted Fitzsimmons, Erv Janke, Larry Bauer, Benny Bieber; and his grandson, Magnus Keller.