Orren N. Silliman 1926-2012

MULLER SILLIMAN ZALLAHA

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/30/2012 at 00:11:05

Sioux City Journal
29 November 2012

Orren N. Silliman, 86, of Sioux City died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at a local hospital following a brief illness.

A service of praise and thanksgiving will be 2 p.m. Friday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, with the Revs. Russell Senstad and David Zirpel officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the Morningside Chapel, Christy–Smith Funeral Home.

Orren was born in Windom, Minn., on Feb 18, 1926, the son of Lindel and Laura (Muller) Silliman. He attended elementary and high school in Windom. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served in the gunnery division on the battleship USS Tennessee in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945. The Tennessee participated in all major battles fought in the Pacific Ocean. After returning home to Windom, he began working at Albinson Lumber Yard in 1947.

During that summer he met and married Adeline Zallaha on Aug 21, 1949. Two daughters were born during their years in Windom. In November 1956, the family moved to Sioux City where Orren began his work at Sioux City Brick and Tile Company. He worked in the customer service department for 39 years, retiring on Nov 1, 1996.

Orren was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He served as president of the congregation and was chairman of the various boards including chairman of the 1970 building committee. He liked to fish, golf, and was an avid Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan. He and his buddies have many tales to tell of their fishing trips, especially the ones to Door County. He had not one but two green thumbs and he loved planting and nurturing his vegetables and flower gardens. He would seek out different flowers such as Hibiscus, Angel Trumpets, Datura, and Rose of Sharon. Orren loved sharing bouquets of flowers with family and friends, and then passing along the seeds for others to plant and enjoy.

Orren was a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather. The grandchildren were his pride and joy and he was always interested in knowing what adventure they were having.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Adeline of Sioux City; two daughters, Julie and Neil Igo of Duluth, Minn., and Susan Silliman of Minneapolis; three grandchildren, Keri, Scott and Renee Igo; and a sister, Luella Feil of White Bear Lake, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center for their excellent and heart warming care.

Memorial may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church in his name.