God Made a Farmer
So long, Partner
And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer.
God said, “I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper, and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board.” So God made a farmer. - Paul Harvey
My dad passed away on Friday, May 29th. Between funeral arrangements and not having it in me to write a typical Energy Bad Boys piece this week, I’ve decided to share the obituary I wrote with my sister.
The publication schedule for the next week or two is up in the air right now. I appreciate your understanding.
Michael “Mike” Orr Obituary
Mike Orr of Waupaca died on Friday, May 29th, 2026. Mike was born June 9th, 1953, in Waupaca to Dan and Ramona Orr.
Mike was a lifelong farmer. His favorite part of the profession was watching things grow. He milked cows, raised beef cattle and hogs, and farmed 500 acres of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. He also had a gift for fixing farm machinery and getting the most out of older equipment.
Mike was the first person in his family to attend college. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in animal science and a minor in plant science.
Food was one of his biggest joys. Mike loved butter, putting it on virtually everything, including things he probably shouldn’t have, like doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and hard-boiled eggs. He also enjoyed steak and the weekly cookouts with his friends at Everett’s.
He served for several years as a supervisor and later as Chairman of the Town of Waupaca after trouncing the forces he denounced as the Harrington Road Cabal at the polls.
While farming was his life’s work, Mike especially cherished being a grandfather to Milo. He also enjoyed reading, particularly books about World War II, telling his children bedtime stories about growing up on the farm, and spoiling Lady, the family Labrador.
He’s survived by his wife Phyllis; his children Isaac (Lisa), Hannah (Andrew), and his farm son Blake (Alyssa). He is also survived by his grandson, Milo, and Lady. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He’s probably already stopped down to their place for dinner.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7:30 pm on FRIDAY, June 5th, at the Maple Crest Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI.
Isaac, sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a young man. I’m 70, and as a tribute, I’ll refrain from frying my bacon in butter. My cousin owned a hardware store in Waupaca. I’m thinking your dad knew the place well. May he rest in peace.
I'm sorry for your loss; a Wisconsinite myself and can feel I know your father in a way. And finally, someone else who put butter on cinnamon rolls. God bless him, and you and your family.