Orville Dauwen

Orville Dauwen, age 81, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. William’s Care Center.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Pastor Chris Davis will officiate, and interment will be at the Milbank City Cemetery.

Orville Alan Dauwen was born on December 26, 1943, in Missoula, MT. At approximately 16 months of age, he was adopted by Peter and Florence (Sundermeyer) Dauwen. He graduated from high school in 1963 and later served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1970.

Over the years, he worked diligently in positions at Standard Oil in Milbank, Hunters Granite Quarry finishing plant in Milbank, 7-Up Bottling Company in Ortonville, and the Milbank School District, where he was particularly known for his passion for audio/visual work. Orville’s commitment to the Milbank School District was evident in his meticulous care and maintenance of the school’s audio/visual equipment, enriching the experiences of countless students during concerts, drama productions, and sporting events. After retiring from the Milbank School District, he worked part-time for Valley Office Products.

On December 15, 1965, Orville was united in marriage with Diann E. Schultz at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grant County, SD. Their partnership was a testament to love, strength, and companionship as they cultivated a family together. Orville was a proud member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, where he served as a Church Elder and engaged actively in numerous church activities, reflecting his dedication to both faith and community.

Orville had a passion for photography and relished the opportunity to capture cherished moments with friends and loved ones. He possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people, enjoying storytelling and fostering friendships throughout his life. He took great pleasure in vacationing and playing games with his children during their formative years, creating treasured memories that will live on in their hearts.

Surviving Orville are his wife, Diann of Milbank, SD; son, Wayne (Nanci) Dauwen of Woodbury, MN; daughters: Karen (Eric) Hermans of Aberdeen, SD; and Holly (Michael) Riley of Milbank, SD; six grandchildren: Katelynn (Jake) Eissinger, Amanda (Luke) Hill, Jordan Riley (fiancée, Mary Heald), Mason (Katie) Riley, Tucker Hermans, and Kayleen Hermans (fiancé, Damion Adkins); two great-grandchildren: Evelyn Eissinger, and Asher Eissinger; and sister, Janet Rundell-Wingert.

He was preceded in death by his parents.