Edwin & Myrtle Rorquist

Edwin, son of John and Alma, was born on October 19, 1922 in Wadena and his wife Myrtle (Landin), daughter of Gus and Ruby, was born on September 27, 1925 in Davidson.

John Rorquist emigrated from Sweden in 1902 to Canada . In 1904 he moved to the Rorquist homestead near Wadena. Alma (Salmuelson) emigrated from Sweden in the early 1900’s. Edwin has three siblings: Ivor, Myrtle, and John Rorquist.

Gus Landin emigrated from Ed Bollstabruk, Sweden in 1914. Ruby (Loberg) emigrated from Shepherd Township , Welsh County , N.D. in 1906. Myrtle has three siblings: Roy, Marion, and John Landin. She moved to Wadena in 1936.

Edwin and Myrtle were married in 1947. They have four children. Brian married Sharon (Gilbertson) and has three children: Joel, Jonathan, and Evan. Wayne married Phyillis (Zarowny) and has two children: Jacqueline and Cameron. Debbie married Brad Stephanyshen and has three children: Kalli, Keri, and Dean. Lori married Todd Salikin and has three children: Brannigan, Ashley and Cole. Edwin and Myrtle also have one great-grandchild named Paige.

Edwin and Myrtle helped out with Meals on Wheels from 1979 till 2005. Edwin also won the Citizen of the Year award in 1983 for his many years of help with the kinsman pancake breakfast. Edwin is an avid gardener. Everyone who knows him will have heard of his magnificent ferns which have grown twice as high as most varieties will ever reach due to his enthusiastic care.

The couple now lives at 722 Portage Drive in Wadena. The farm that Edwin grew up on was established in 1904 by Edwin’s father and recently received the Century Family Farm Award. This original farm is still looked after by descendants of John, Edwin’s father. Edwin still helps out on the farm, never tiring of the purposeful work.