The Golden Roll

He worked at United Steel & Wire in Battle Creek until 1941
when he began serving in the U.S. Army. He received his honorable
discharge in 1945.

He married Barbara Winnifred Kelly on April 24, 1943, in
Harrisburg, Pa. Following his military service he returned to the
Dowling area and entered into the sawmill business with his brother
Ralph, retiring in 1976. They sawed with steam engines for many
years. Ward was an avid bowler, golfer and enjoyed square dancing.
Ward was preceded in death by his brothers Ralph and Harry
Woodmansee, who themselves were legends in the steam community, and
three sisters. Ward was a founding member of the Michigan Steam
Engine & Threshers Club and was the announcer for many years.
Ward was the best announcer we ever had.

– Submitted by Larry Mix, Hastings, Mich.

Richard Rorvig, 72, of Rothsay, Minn., and
Yuma, Ariz., died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, in Phoenix. He was born
Oct. 7, 1934, to Raymond and Cornelia (Watterud) Rorvig and he
lived near Rothsay his entire life. He married Kathleen Melby on
June 27, 1954, and they had four children.

Richard farmed until his retirement, about 10 years ago. After
retiring he began a stump-grinding business, which he operated
until his death. He was a welder and boiler maker, and he restored
his own 80 HP Case. He spent about three years restoring a 45 HP
Minneapolis, one of the largest steam traction engines known to
exist, and wrote many articles for steam magazines.

He was a charter member of the Western Minnesota Steam
Thresher’s Reunion at Rollag, Minn., a member of the D.L. Eagles
Club and a member and promoter for the NFO for many years. He was
an active member of the DFL in Otter Tail County.

Richard was preceded in death by his father Raymond, mother
Cornelia and his son Ronald. He is survived by his wife Kathy; his
son Ross of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughters, Brenda and Barbara of
Tempe, Ariz.; and his granddaughters.

– Submitted by Mark Corson, Crown Point, Ind.