Wilfred W. (Bill) Ordway

Ordway Wilfred W. (Bill), died Sunday, February 23, at his home in Mpls., MN. Wilfred was born January 23, 1918 in Lawton, ND, to Nellye Mae (Purdy) and Ernest C. Ordway. He lost his hearing as an infant during the influenza epidemic of 1918. He attended and, in 1936, graduated from the School for the Deaf in Devils Lake, ND. While in school he excelled in sports, especially basketball and received recognition as an outstanding player for the school team. He also played for the Lawton Independent Team for many years. After Lawton, Wilfred moved to Grand Forks, ND, and finally to Mpls., which was his home for many years. He resided at the Ebenezer Park Apts for more than 20 years where he enjoyed many long lasting friendships. He also attended meetings and festivities at the Deaf People's Club in St. Paul and he attended church at the Bread of Life Lutheran Church for the Deaf in Mpls. He is survived by 2 brothers, Edwin L. of Havre, MT, Leonard E. of Mesa, AZ; 2 sisters, Alpha M. Anderson and Rose B. Petersson, both of West Fargo, ND; 10 neices, 6 nephews; numerous grandneices and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Ernest R. (Pat) Ordway and Robert I. Ordway. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 3 at 10:00 am at Ebenezer Luther Hall, located across the street from the Ebenezer Park Apts. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ebenezer Park Apts' Tenant Council of Mpls or the Deaf People's Club of St. Paul.

Published on March 2, 2003