Orval Lavern Reichert was born September 26, 1930, in Grafton, ND to George and Louise (Hartje) Reichert. He was one of fourteen children in that family. He married Phyllis Jean Wells July 23, 1955 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, St. Thomas, ND.
Orval was a lifelong farmer near Hensel, ND. He took over the farm at the age of only 13 years old after his father had a heart attack. Orval very much enjoyed farming, taking care of the farmyard and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Surviving Orval are his children: Ann (Neal) Martin, Grand Forks, ND, Karen (Robert) McLeod-Cataldi, West Fargo, ND, Terry (Teresa) Reichert, Hensel, ND, Kristy (Jon) Dornacker, Garrison, ND; grandchildren: Karl Martin, Hurst, TX, George Martin, Duluth, MN, Mitchell (Eden) McLeod, McClusky, ND, Kelsie (Eric) Laufenberg, West Fargo, ND, Alex Dornacker, Bismarck, ND; Cassie Dornacker, Fargo, ND, Erik (Casey) Zimmeht, Ottumwa, IA; great grandchildren: Parker, Anabelle and Olivia Martin, Hurst, TX, Wyatt and Josie McLeod, McClusky, ND, Addley and Camden Laufenberg, Fargo, ND, Rece, Elliott, and Sailor Zimmeht, Ottumwa, IA.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife Phyllis Reichert; siblings: Myrtle Ann Reichert, Emilie (Herman) Unke, Frederick (Laura) Reichert, Clara (Otto) Puppe, Ferdinand (Mildred) Reichert, Karl Adolf Reichert, George (Elvera) Reichert, Willard (Phyllis) Reichert, Mildred (William) Ault, Elmer Puppe, Lester Puppe, Arlene (Earl) Onstad, and Wallace (Ethel) Hartje; granddaughter: Amanda Joy McLeod and son in law: Allen McLeod.