Robert Orvis Obituary

Robert E. Orvis, Sr.

Robert Eustace Orvis, Sr., died very peacefully on March 29, 2015, at the age of ninety-four. Bob was born April 22, 1920, to Eustace and Grace Orvis of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Bob's first job, at fifteen, was as chauffeur to a prosperous couple. He said that every Saturday he got to fill up the gas tank, alone, which was quite fun. At that time, Bob was attending Washburn High School. In 1939, Bob began a business degree at the University Of Minnesota. He pledged the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and was a very active member throughout his life. Spring of 1940, Bob met the love of his life, Betty Bridgford, from Morris, Minnesota, on a blind date. Bob was to escort Betty to the Delta Delta Delta Spring formal. The couple fell in love and later became engaged to be married.

Bob was in ROTC, graduated from the University, and immediately attended Officer Candidate School (OCS). Lieutenant Orvis graduated from OCS training as World War II broke out and he was deployed to many Army bases as an artillery instructor.

In November 1943, Bob sent Betty and their parents a telegram, "Coming home Wednesday. Marry me Saturday." They were married in the chapel of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, on November 9th. Bob had been baptized there and was an active member for many years.

Bob continued to serve other Presbyterian churches throughout his life, several times as Deacon and Elder. Once he told his youngest daughter, Barbara, that his Elder three year term was over and he was the only Elder asked to serve another concurrent three years. Barbara asked, "What did you say, Dad?" and Bob said he accepted because he would never say, "Gee God. I'm too busy." His comment had a great impact on Barbara, as she, too, accepted Presbyterian Deacon and Elder positions.

After their honeymoon, Bob returned to active Army duty and Betty returned to the Delta Delta Delta sorority; the first married woman in the history of the sorority house. Their first child, Robert E. Orvis, Jr., was born the following year. Betty, and son, Bobby, lived with her parents in Morris, Minnesota, for several years, then followed husband Bob, around the country to several Army bases they called home. After World War II, Bob and family set up house in Mankato, Minnesota where Bob worked for the Cargill Corporation.

Captain Orvis was extremely patriotic and told the Army, "if and when President Truman declares the emergency, you can count on me." And the country did count on him. In 1950, Bob was called up again by the Army for active duty, and was shipped to ChinHai South Korea. Captain Orvis was assigned, as returning South Korean President Syngman Rhee's personal bodyguard and was in charge of the bodyguard unit. Captain Orvis was guarding Syngman Rhee in the back seat of his car as his motorcade made a triumphant return to South Korea, having lived in exile 17 years. Thousands of South Koreans mobbed the motorcade. Captain Orvis watched in concern as a man ran next to their car and stuck his hand in his coat. Captain Orvis was prepared with his machine gun to shoot to kill. Instead of a gun, the man pulled out a rose. Captain Orvis actively served his country from 1943 to 1952.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Bob and Betty took up residence in Elmhurst, Illinois, where their third child, Barbara, was born. Bob and Betty were charter members of the Elmhurst Presbyterian Church and Bob was a 50 plus year member of the Elmhurst Masonic Lodge #941, and enjoyed Rotary. Until his 80th birthday in 2000, when he finally retired, Bob was very active and well-known in the advertising and promotion professions.

Bob is survived by his three children, two grandsons, and three great grandchildren.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Betty, who died August 21, 2014.

A military honor service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024, April 30, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., Betty's 92nd birthday.

Please visit www.menkefuneralhome.com to share memories and leave condolences for the family.