Russell J. Rorge

Stoughton- Russell J. Rorge, age 83, died at home on Thursday, September 4, 2008.  He was born on September 13, 1924 in Stoughton, the son of Arthur and Gena (Grefsheim) Rorge.  Russell graduated from Stoughton High School and attended Madison Business College.  On March 22, 1947 Russell married Marian Reinstad.  She preceded him in death on May 23, 1995.  Russell was a realtor and developer for over 40 years working for Rorge Realty in Stoughton.  He was a past member of National, State and Local Boards of Realtors.  Russell was a member of Covenant Lutheran Church, Kegonsa Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies, Zor Temple, Lakeland Shrine Club and Royal Orders of Jesters.  He was a member of the Sons of Norway Lodge and member and past President of the Stoughton County Club.  Russell was a former member of Dane County Conservation Commission, long time Supervisor for the Town of Dunkirk, and Clerk of the Town of Rutland.  He is survived by his three children, Marjorie A. (Norman) Gerber of Stoughton, Jeanne (John) Dibble of Spring, TX and David J. Rorge of Jefferson; eight grandchildren, Lissa Hecker, Beth (Jeff) Boxwell, Ross Hecker, Rachel (Steve) Swick, Ted (Jamie) Dibble, Julia Dibble (fiance, Ryan Hummer), Maggie Rorge and Lucy Rorge; great grandson, Austin Dibble; several nieces and nephews; and his companion of several years, Audrey Halverson.  Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; sister and brother-in-law, Joan (William) Torkelson of Madison; and brother and sister-in-law, Gilmore (Pat) Rorge of Stoughton.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 8, 2008 at Covenant Lutheran Church, 1525 N. Van Buren Street, Stoughton, with Rev. Karen Kiener officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery.  Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Monday at the church.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or to Covenant Lutheran Church of Stoughton .  ""I have had a good life-no regrets.""