Mike Orris

Milo (Mike) Orris of Washington, Iowa passed away on July 28, 2019 at the age of 92. His memory will live on through Donna his wife and partner in life for over 70 years, his daughter Sue Mertz (Frank), his son Tom (Mary) and his son Dave (Chele) as well as 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, a sister Alice (Simkins) a brother Donald and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Hollie and Opal, brother Rex and twin brother Cleo as well as infant daughter Christy. Mike was a WWII veteran of the Navy who piloted an LST and proudly fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa as a teenager (17). He lost his brother (19) and best friend (17) at the same time he was serving in that theater. He is remembered by many in the area as a prominent businessman and civic leader that gave freely of his time and treasure. His accomplishments are too numerous to list (and Mike wouldn’t want them listed) but they are highlighted by his over 4 decades at the Washington State Bank where he worked his way up from teller to President. He was Secretary of the Washington County Fair Board where he did virtually everything for 48 years. On the Thursday before his death he was awarded a pin for 7,500 volunteer hours at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City. Mike had been active in the American Legion for decades, playing taps at hundreds of military funerals. He touched many lives through these and other causes, including Marr Park Fish Days, GIVE Foundation handicapped veterans golf outing to mention a couple. He had dozens of awards for his charity work but that was never the point. He was quick with a joke or story and always ready to lend a hand to friends and strangers (he never really knew one). While others talked about problems, Mike solved them. Celebration of life services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington with Chaplain Andrew Zuehlke officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Honorary pallbearers are Keith Orris, Max Orris, Grant Orris, James Myer, Nile Myer, Frank Mertz and Cory Goetsch. In lieu of flowers, memorials/contributions can be made to the Washington County Hospice or a scholarship fund in Mike’s name that is being established by the Washington County Fair Board. Online condolences may be sent for Mike’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com At 5:00 p.m. family and friends are invited to have one last meal on Mike. The family will host a get together at Dallmeyer Hall at the Washington County Fairgrounds where we can all share our stories about Mike. The family wishes to thank the UP Home and Washington County Hospice for its fine care in Mike’s final days.

Mike Orris

October 15, 1926 - July 28, 2019