Orville Josserand Obituary

Orville Wright Josserand was born February 13, 1929 in Gray County, Kansas. His parents were Charley Clyde Josserand and Erica “Irene” Wright. He went to school until the 9th grade in Copeland, Kansas and in 1944 moved to Flagler, Colorado and finished High school there. He loved playing 6-man football and won many awards in track.

In 1946 Orville Joined the Naval Reserve. After High School Orville batched and farmed outside of Arriba, Colorado. In 1947 he met the love of his life Shirley Weller in Arriba. He helped Shirley’s family move to South Dakota in the spring of 1949, and by October 1949 he was united in marriage in Kadoka. They had four children, Skyler Boyd in 1951, Merilee in 1952, Coleen Ann in 1957, and Lloyd Vincent in 1958.

The family lived at South Creek near Kadoka and worked for George Renning for 15 years. George and Orville became like brothers. He engaged in farming and ranching as well as breeding registered angus cattle and saddling up and moving cows through the badlands with Coleen. He called himself “Josh’s Angus”. Orville and Shirley helped the girls with their 4H projects and supported them in their school projects/plays/activities. They made several family trips to Colorado and Kansas to visit family. He loved family! Orville was baptized with Coleen in 1970 at the Presbyterian church, was on the school board at South Creek and the cemetery board. Their sons passed in 1956 and 1966 to a rare disease “Fatal Granulomatosis” and was the most tragic moments of his life.

In the Fall of 1973 they moved to Main Street in Kadoka. Orville loved having his shop in town so he could visit with so many people. He was always working on or getting equipment in tip top shape. He loved lending a tractor to the arena at the Kadoka fairgrounds or any friend needing something. He served many years as the county commissioner, FSA office, and the elevator board. Through this many friendships were made.

Things that Orville took pride in were harvesting thousands of bushels of wheat each year including one year he produced a million bushel. One harvest running six combines. He enjoyed buying and selling land in Jackson County as part of his farming operation as well as purchasing new John Deere and Cat equipment and maintaining them.

Orville and Shirley enjoyed traveling to Coleen’s in California, a trip to Australia, family reunions and much more. Retirement suited Orville well where he filled his time with family gatherings, yard and garden work, opening their door to friends, coffee time, and spending time with their grandkids and great grand kids. Generous of Heart and spirit.

He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include two daughters Merilee Grimes and her husband Jerry of Kadoka, and Coleen McHolland and her husband Matthew of Falbrook, California; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister Safronia "Charlene" Josserand of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Orville was preceded in death by his wife Shirley on July 10, 2021; two sons Boyd and Lloyd Josserand; granddaughter Jessica Grimes; his parents Charley and Irene Josserand; brother John Douglas "JD" Josserand; and three sisters Nina Kathleen Saffer, Virginia Lee Hubbard and Anna Hatton McCutchen.

Visitation will be held one hour preceding the services on Monday.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Monday, May 2, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Ken Toews officiating.

Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.

Guest Book

Sympathy to the family in your time of loss.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (4/27/2022)

Sorry for your loss
~ Suzanne Hoon Kadoka (4/26/2022)

I worked for Orville in the late 70s! One of the nicest men I have worked for! God rest for Orville!
~ Joseph I Millage Box 764 Philip (4/27/2022)

So sorry to hear that Orville has passed but happy he will now be with his beloved Shirley. Ron formed a lasting friendship with Orville when they were both Jackson Co. Commissioners. Ron always had high praise for Orville and learned much from his knowledge and leadership. Rest in Peace Orville.
~ Ron & Marilyn Gartner Interior SD (4/27/2022)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Shirly and Orville were good neighbors.
~ Curt Anderson Kadoka SD (5/2/2022)

Coleen and Merilee, sorry to hear that your Dad passed! He was a great person!
~ Kelly Rock Indian Land, SC (4/28/2022)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Shirly and Orville were good neighbors.
~ Curt Anderson Kadoka SD (5/2/2022)

Kadoka
~ Rich Grable (4/27/2022)

Heartfelt sympathy to all the family. Orville was one of the last olde-tyme western gentleman. Every encounter was a bow and hat tip from him. Orville and Shirley were the first visitors when we moved to rural Kadoka (34 years ago) and he laughingly informed me the wee purple flowers I so admired were actually noxious weeds. If a person got to know him, you never forgot him. He will be missed so much. God speed and healing thoughts for the family.
~ Margo R South of Kadoka (4/27/2022)

So sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences to your family.
~ Coleen Kayras Sturgis, SD (4/29/2022)

Where do I start? Best uncle that anyone could have. You will always be in our lives and hearts. You spoke so much wisdom into my life, despite whether i wanted to listen to it or not. So Much of you was given to more than us, I am sure. Took us under your wing and made sure Raylene was taken care of during the time we spent in 1977. You are special and will miss you.
Thank you

~ Calvin/Raylene Josserand Denver Colorado (4/29/2022)

Hugs and Prayers for all the Families
~ Bonnie Madsen Kadoka (4/27/2022)

Well, My ole buddy has gone Home!! He had a spesial way of making people feel that they were important. Never passed up an opportunity to visit. I'll really miss him. God comfort you Merilee , Colleen and Families

~ Ray and Karen Gibson PHILIP SD (4/28/2022)

Arizona
~ Bo Wickenburg (4/30/2022)

Orville was an angel when I needed one most. I loved spending time with this gentleman and loved hearing his stories. He was like a grandfather to me and I enjoyed every moment he blessed me with. Shirley will be happy to see him and so will Vickie! Much love to Merilee, Coleen, and all of his family and friends. There never has and never will be another like Orville. That man etched a spot in my heart and holds a place in my soul. <3
~ Kim Petersen Philip (4/26/2022)

It was always such a joy when Orvil!e and Shirley came into our office. And once we solved a problem we would have a good visit They were so easy to talk to. And when they left we always felt good and had smiles on our faces. We felt blessed to have them as our clients and most importantly as friends.
~ Gay Tollefson Green River, Wyoming (4/27/2022)

God Bless you as you mourn your loss and celebrate OJ's life. During the brief time I helped in Kadoka he opened his arms and welcomed me as a friend. I won't be able to spin a coffee cup without think of OJ!
~ Pastor Kathy Chesney Philip (4/26/2022)