Dwayne Richard Orth

Dwayne Richard Orth, age 81, of rural Brule, NE was called to his eternal home on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala after a battle with recurrent pancreatic cancer. 

Dwayne was born at Fairbury, Nebraska on February 24, 1938 to Gustav and Olga (Endorf) Orth.  He was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church at Fairbury, NE on March 13, 1938. He moved at a very young age with his parents to a farm near the town of Western, NE, where he went to country school through seventh grade.  Dwayne was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Daykin, NE on May 13, 1951.  He attended Western Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1955.  He was a starter on the Western High Class D basketball team from 1953 to 1955, finishing in second place in 1953 and state champions in both 1954 and 1955. 

After working in his home area, he moved to Denver, CO in 1957 where he worked in an electronic distribution business as the company’s purchasing agent.  He met Helen Schmidt while in Denver in 1959 and they were married April 15, 1962 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala.  Three boys, David, Paul, and Dennis, were born to them while in Denver. 

In 1971 Dwayne was transferred to Dallas, TX as the operations manager of the Dallas store.  In 1976 he purchased the Culligan Water Conditioning business in Ogallala, NE.  The family built a house, with Dwayne doing the bulk of the work, on Schmidt family land near Brule, NE.  Helen died on July 1, 1989. 

Dwayne met and married Mary Dicke on May 11, 1991, at St. Paul’s in Ogallala.  They enjoyed traveling, especially to Culligan Conventions.  In 2007 they began wintering in Arizona, which they thoroughly enjoyed.  

Dwayne was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, NE where he served on the Board of Elders for over 30 years.  He also served in the community on the PAKS Developmental Board and participated in Special Olympics with his son Paul.

In September 2017 Dwayne was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He chose to fight it and was fortunate to qualify for one of the most extensive surgeries of the abdomen, the Whipple procedure, at CHI Creighton University Medical Center: Bergan-Mercy.  After this 10-hour surgery, he did both chemotherapy and radiation, but in January 2019 the cancer had returned. 

Dwayne will be remembered for his strong faith in Jesus as his Savior, his optimism, work ethic, and genuine caring for others.  He loved his family, antique tractors (particularly John Deere), working on projects, and lending a helping hand.  His voice on Culligan radio ads was distinctive and memorable.  Many people recognized his voice first when he was out in public or working, something that always made him smile.  A great joy for Dwayne was working with his sons David and Dennis in the Culligan business. 

Left to mourn his loss, but Heaven’s gain, are his wife, Mary D. Orth of rural Brule; his three sons, David Orth of Julesburg, CO, Paul Orth of Ogallala, NE, and Dennis (Heather) Orth of rural Brule; his step-sons Alan Dicke, Jim (Jan) Dicke, Rich (Tracy) Dicke and step-daughter Lori (Randy) Haskett, all of Colorado; two brothers, Robert (Ruth) Orth of Diller, NE and Lloyd (Linda) Orth of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Evan , Rachel, A.J., and Isaac Orth of rural Brule along with step-grandchildren Austin, Avery, Aidan, Makayla, and Ryan Dicke, Lindsey and Tyler Haskett, two great-grandchildren, Remington Dicke and Kairi Dicke, all of Colorado, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 1989; his parents, Gustav and Olga Orth; and his sister-in-law and her husband, Lois (Schmidt) and Ray Rose, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be Friday, April 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel. 

Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 6, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, Nebraska with Rev. John Stubenrouch officiating.  Burial will be in the Brule Cemetery.

Memorials have been established to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Hour.

Condolences may be left online by signing the Guest Book at www.drauckerfuneralhome.com. Services will be live streamed.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
 

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