Due to technical difficulties there will not be a livestream. A recording of the service will be available Saturday (01/28) and can be accessed at https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Michael Orvik, 67, Minot formerly of Parshall and Bismarck, and longtime accountant, died Sunday, January 22, 2023 in his home.
Michael was born June 30, 1955, in Michigan, ND to Maynard and Kajsa (Jerdin) Orvik. He spent his youth in Michigan, where he earned the nickname “Tank” for his ability to be “King of the Mountain” on every snow pile and for his fervor on the football field as a Michigan Bulldog. He graduated from Michigan High School in 1973.
After high school, Michael worked for a custom combine crew, leading him along the grain belt south from North Dakota to Texas. He also spent some time constructing pole barns in North Dakota. Michael graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting in 1977. Michael started his accounting career in Minot, ND as a staff accountant at Weber, Spaulding & Company in 1977. In 1979, Michael became a Certified Public Accountant and moved into the role of Chief Accountant at William Clairmont Inc. in Bismarck, ND.
Michael married the love of his life Loa Jean Miller on March 30, 1985, at Charity Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND. They remained in Bismarck until 1987, when Michael purchased an accounting firm in Parshall, ND. He operated his firm, Michael Orvik, CPA, for the next thirty-five years, expanding his client base from Parshall to Minot after a move to the Magic City in 1999. Michael continued to work throughout his struggle with undiagnosed pancreatic cancer, only pausing his work when his cancer treatments started in early January 2023.
Michael will be remembered for his steadfast faith and community involvement. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Minot, where he served as treasurer, elder, and bible study member. In Parshall, he was a member of First Lutheran Church, the Parshall Lion’s Club, Parshall Promoters, and Cubmaster of the local Cub Scouts. In Bismarck, he was a member of Toastmasters and active in the Big Brothers Program, fostering relationships which lasted throughout his life.
Michael loved spending time with and celebrating his extended family. He had an adventurous spirit and loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He often organized family trips and holidays, including a special trip to Hawaii in 2020. Every year, Michael would rally the Vikings fans in his family for weekend trips to the Twin Cities or for a weekend getaway to a country music concert.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Loa Jean, Minot; children Erik Orvik (Debra Lytle), Philadelphia, PA, and Christa Orvik (fiancé Tyler Walter), Ramsey, MN; grandchildren Theodore Michael Orvik and Kajsa Theresa Orvik; siblings Diane Messner, Connie Auker, Kent (Marla) Orvik, Gregg (Brenda) Orvik, Angie (Roger) Schlenk and David (Kristy) Reep; sister-in-law Juline Miller (Cindy Klenda), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Mildred (Strommen) Miller, brothers-in-law Jeff Messner and Charlie Auker, and sister-in-law Meta Marie (Miller) Brandl.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2023, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot. Due to technical difficulties there will not be a livestream. A recording of the service will be available Saturday (01/28) and can be accessed at https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Interment: Melrose Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Michigan, ND (late Spring 2023)
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
