Ordean Tweden
Ordean Tweden, 66, of rural Watford City, N.D., died of cancer on Aug. 13, 2013, in Watford City.
Cremation has taken place. His memorial service was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Pastor Rob Favorite officiated and inurnment of cremains with military honors was held at Schafer Cemetery.
The third of five children, Ordean was born to Orian and Florence (Alex) Tweden on Feb. 12, 1947, in Dickinson, N.D. He was raised in Kinning Township until 1957 when the family moved into Watford City. He was educated in the Kinning School until that time and furthered his education in Watford City Public Schools graduating in 1964. He attended Williston State College for two years and attended Dickinson State College earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, graduating in 1984.
Ordean served in the U. S. Army Signal Corps from 1967 to 1969. He was stationed in Vietnam at Ban Me Tuit at an outpost five miles from the Cambodian Border which was a former Teddy Roosevelt hunting lodge where he was in charge of communications. He was a life member of the local VFW and American Legion Posts and served as Commander of the Watford City VFW and was a former member of the Drill Team.
He was united in marriage to Lynn Sanko on March 26, 1966, at First Presbyterian Church in Watford City. They made their home in various states returning to Watford City in 2001, to retire in their home community.
Music was a part of Ordeans life and he loved entertaining. He started out on the accordion at a very young age and played with his father at barn dances and other functions. In 1963, his father Orian, friends Reiny Pfeifer and Richie Christensen and Ordean, started a band called the Jolly Os. They were on the TV show called Faye Crush Talent Show and played various towns in the area. In 1965, his wife Lynn joined the group and helped with singing. They played classic country and were regarded as a very good dance band. Ordean’s brother Dale started playing when Ordean was shipped to Vietnam until the band dissolved in 1979. During that time several other musicians (Jimmy Christensen, Mike Enderud, and Page Croff) were of a few of the Jolly O band members. He also loved fishing with his son, family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Lynn and son David, of Watford City; two sisters, Carol (Sid) Moore of Franklin, Ohio, Cleone (Dwayne) Turnquist of Arnegard, N.D.; one brother, Dale (Mary) Tweden of Parker, Colo.; step-brother Ron (Nina) Jore; step-sisters Maureen (Curt) Frazee and Sharon Lunsford and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and one aunt.
Ordean was preceded in death by his parents, Orian & Florence Tweden; and brother Gerald Tweden.
Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com.