Patrick Ronald (Pat) Lorge, 70, of Amidon, ND, passed away early Saturday morning, November 23, 2024 with Denise by his side, after a difficult, but courageous battle with cancer. Though left with broken hearts, his family will treasure the time our gracious and merciful God gave us with him in his final months. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends that loved him so much. Funeral services for Pat will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Bowman Lutheran Church. Pastor Julian Burgess will officiate, with a private burial at a later date.
Pat was born September 22, 1954 in Dickinson, ND, the son of Leo Eugene (Gene) and Joanne Jean (Bender) Lorge. He was raised on the family farm west of Amidon and attended elementary school at Sand Creek. Pat graduated from New England Public High School in 1973 and then helped on the family farm before going to work as a welder for Koffler Manufacturing in New England, ND.
He married Denise Kitzan November 28, 1975 in Bowman, ND. Shortly after, they moved to Amidon, ND, where they raised their four children. During this time, he managed the Cenex station, up until he was elected Slope County Sheriff in 1987. Pat served in this position for over 31 years, until his retirement in 2018.
Pat was actively involved in many roles within the community. He could strike up a conversation with almost anyone, whether friend or stranger. He was a first responder and a member of the Amidon Fire Department, as well as an Amidon city councilman. He proudly served as a hunter education instructor and volunteered with the Peace Officer Fishing Derby at Bowman/Haley Dam for many years.
Pat was an avid hunter, enjoyed camping and was a motorcycle enthusiast. He loved riding his Harley Davidson and made many memories with Denise, family and friends. Pat enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events as well as family functions. After retirement, Pat and Denise escaped the cold ND winters and joined the snowbird community in Yuma, AZ.
Pat is survived by his wife, Denise, of 48 years; his children, Maxwell (Cameron) Lorge, Tara (Chuck) Heringer, Pete Lorge, and Christina (Scott) Thelen; grandchildren, Wyatt (Katie), Cyrus and Zeke Heringer, Alden and Emmy Lorge, and Barrett Thelen; siblings, Michael (Carolyn) Lorge, Amy (Keven) Oler, and Dale Lorge; brother-in-law, Terry Freih; mother-in-law, Agnes Kitzan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Gene and Joanne Lorge; father-in-law, Clarence Kitzan; and sister, Janel Freih.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations, in the memory of Pat, to the Amidon Fire Department.