Orville Bernard Pung

Orville Pung, Age 83 September 8, 1936- August 31, 2020 Orville B. Pung passed away peacefully at Lakeview Hospital from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. His family was by his side. Survived by his dear wife, Nadine; son, Rick Pung; and daughters, Becky Pung (Joe Schmidt), Ann Pung-Terwedo (Alan) and Amy Ayers (Steve); grandchildren, Renee ‘Heinbigner’ Dennis, John Heinbigner, Christopher Terwedo, Sara Heinbigner, Amber ‘Ayers’ Kormanik, Emily Terwedo, Max Pung, Sam Grafenstein, Hannah Grafenstein, and Dominique Ayers; and 8 great grandchildren; brother, Laverne Pung (Erliss); and brother-in-law, Robert Noyes. Preceded in death by his parents Clara and Edward; brother-in law, Jiggs Mikel; and this past six months, his loving sisters, Viola Mikel and Ramona Noyes. He was born on the family farm outside St. Martin, Stearns County and lived in town as a young child near his family’s, “Pungs Bar”. Later, his widowed mother moved her family to the west side of St. Cloud. He was an avid reader all his life, had a passion for world history, and was so proud of his German Heritage. He graduated from Cathedral High School and St. Cloud State University with a degree in Education. He served the Department of Corrections from 1958-1993 beginning as a school teacher for juvenile offenders at the Red Wing State Training School and advanced through the ranks to Commissioner of Correction serving 11 years under Governors Al Quie, Rudy Perpich and Arne Carlson. His family settled in Red Wing in an old house on College Avenue then in 1977, relocated to Oak Park Heights to be closer to central office and the State Capital. Orv had an interest in all he met and a skillful management style. His most notable career accomplishments included his creative development and encouragement of sentencing options that serve as alternatives to incarceration known as Sentence to Serve (STS). He worked to develop programs to stretch financial resources and national leadership in working to eliminate the inequitable treatment of woman offenders. His respect for all beliefs and religions led the department to provide diverse worship opportunities at institutions. He traveled to China, Poland and Puerto Rico to observe, advise and consult on prison systems. Orv is remembered for his quick wit and charismatic sense of humor by is great friends, colleagues and elected officials. His quotes became known as Pungisms. Upon retirement, his time was spent reading, fishing and hunting at the family log cabin in Northern Wisconsin, vacationed on Isla Mujeres Mexico every year and traveled around the world with Nadine. As Papa, he was cherished by his grandchildren and supported their accomplishments and enjoyed their sports events and dance programs. Special thanks to Lakeview Hospital, Greeley Estates and Arbor Glen Senior Living for all the care and kindness shown to Orv during his illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m on Monday, September 14, 2020 at the Church of St. Michael, 611 3rd Street S. Stillwater, MN and also livestreamed on Church of St. Michael Stillwater, MN Facebook page. Due to COVID 19, there will be no formal visitation and the public may begin arriving at 10:00 a.m. Seating will be limited. Interment at St. Michaels Cemetery, Bayport, MN. Memorials in Orv’s Name are suggested to Arbor Glen Senior Living, 11020 39th St. N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042, for music and arts programing or a charity of your choosing. Condolences may be posted at Simonet Funeral Home’s website.

Service Information

Cemetery

Saint Michael's Cemetery
700 Fifth Avenue North
Bayport MN 55003

Visitation

Monday, September 14 2020
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Church of Saint Michael
611 3rd St S
Stillwater MN 55082

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, September 14 2020
11:00 AM

Church of Saint Michael
611 3rd St S
Stillwater MN 55082

Graveside Service

Monday, September 14 2020
12:15 PM

Saint Michael's Cemetery
700 Fifth Avenue North
Bayport MN 55003