Ordean Delmar Sherven, 75, Minot, formerly of Ryder, died Saturday, July 25, 2009, in his home surrounded by his family, from brain cancer that was diagnosed May 30, 2009.

Ordean was born Feb. 2, 1934, on the family farm in Ryder Township of Ward County near Ryder, to Marcus and Alice (Lerum) Sherven. He was reared on the family farm and graduated from Ryder High School in 1951. As a young adult he assisted his father with the operation of the farm, which he later purchased and continued to operate. He was very proud that the farm is now operated by one of his sons and a grandson.

Ordean married Colleen Brenna on May 25, 1957, in Keene. They made their home on the Sherven family farm, where they were the proud parents of four sons and a daughter. In addition, Ordean was very active in the Ryder community, where he served on the board of directors of the North Shore School, Ryder Elevator, St. John's Lutheran Church and Ryder Township. Also, he was a member of Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot. In addition to farming, he provided custom farm services and following his retirement he enjoyed helping family on the farm. During the past several years he had spent the winter months in Mesa. Ariz.

Ordean especially enjoyed golfing, traveling and using his payloader to assist his friends and neighbors with custom work.

Ordean's loving family includes: his wife of 52 years, Colleen; children, Wesley Sherven (special friend Joan Stafslien) and Ross (Audrey) Sherven, both of Ryder, Scott Sherven of Phoenix, Chad Sherven of Minot and Kristi Sherven of Moorhead, Minn. (special friend Aaron Anderson of Minot); nine grandchildren, Jared Sherven (special friend Ali Klabunde), Trent (LyNelle) Sherven, Eric and Megan Sherven; Jaren and Alexis Enockson, Hailey Rolla, Hunter Sherven and Aaron Olson; great-grandson, Isaac Sherven; brother, Ron (Donna) Sherven of Wahpeton; brother-in-law, Glen Warner of Ryder; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ordean was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, John Schellenbaum; sister, Joyce Warner; and an infant daughter, Tammy Mae Sherven.

Funeral service: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at 1 p.m. in Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.

Visitation: Today, July 28, from 2 to 7 p.m., in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice, Trinity Home Health, St. John's Lutheran Church, Ryder, or Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.

Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).