Violet Rikhus, age 77, of Ulen, Minnesota, died Monday, November 13, 2006, in MeritCare Health, Fargo, North Dakota.

Violet Orwald was born May 7, 1929, the daughter of Clarence and Hazel (Hogenson) Orwald at home on a farm near Ulen. As a child she was raised on the farm and attended country school. She later moved with her family into Ulen and graduated from Ulen High School with the class of 1947. On June 20, 1948, Violet was united in marriage to Joseph Rikhus at the First South Wild Rice Church of the ELS in Ulen. The couple lived on the family farm for a short time before moving into Ulen, where they raised their six children. Violet and Joseph served together as the custodians at Calvary Lutheran Church for over 30 years. She continued this service to the church for several years after Joseph's death on January 2, 1999. Violet was also charter member of the Ulen Rescue Service where she served many years as a first responder and later worked with the rescue squad doing paperwork. Violet continued to live in their home until May of this year when she moved into the Four Winds Apartments in Ulen.

Violet was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church where she was not only custodian, but served on the altar guild as well as in ladies aide. She was also a member of the Ulen VFW Auxiliary. Violet was known as an excellent cook and baker, especially homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. She truly loved spending time with her grandchildren and always tried to attend their school activities and special functions.

Violet is survived by three sons, Jonn (Carol) of Hawley, MN, Joe, Jr. (Glenda) of Ulen and James (Marie) of Hawley, MN and three daughters, Nancy Rikhus of Mineola, Texas, Lori (Dan) Busby of Hitterdal, MN and Mary (Douglas) Haugtvedt of Hensler, ND; a brother, Charles (Mary) of Denver, CO; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister and three grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 17, 2006, at 11:00 AM in Calvary Lutheran Church, Ulen. Officiating will be Pastor Christopher Dale with Penny Herzog serving as organist and August Frisk serving as vocalist. Pallbearers will be Brett Busby, Ryan Rikhus, Jacob Rikhus, Justin Rikhus, Charles Haugtvedt, and Chad Haugtvedt. The Ulen Rescue Squad and the Ulen VFW Women's Auxiliary will serve as honorary bearers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 16 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation will also be held one hour before services at the church on Friday.

Burial will be in Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen, MN