George Oien, age 82, passed away surrounded by family, on October 23rd, 2022 in Valley City, ND.  Services are pending at this time.  Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

George H. Oien Jr, the son of George and Helga (Rude) Oien, was born September 28, 1940 in Fargo, ND. He spent his life growing up on the family farm by Binford, ND. He graduated from Binford High School in 1958. He remained close with his classmates his entire life. Following graduation, he began working with his Uncle Alvin Oien at Oien Electric. His electrical career brought him to the Grand Forks area to work. While there, George crossed paths with a girl he had met at the skating rink at Red Willow Lake Resort. After a short six months of dating, George married Diane (Becherl) on April 16, 1966.

George’s electrical career brought him to Detroit Lakes, MN. Later that year he wrote for his Master’s License. Then in the spring of 1968, George and Diane came home to the Binford area where George began G.O. Electric, which he operated for over 25 years. George also worked on many large projects such as the paper mill in International Falls, MN and the gasification plant in Tioga, ND. His love for his work and his strong Christian faith came together as he worked to lead the wiring of the new Bethany Free Lutheran church in Binford and the new Grace Free Lutheran church in Valley City. Although his

work brought him all across the state, George’s final place of work was Kohn Electric in Valley City. George worked with and mentored many young people who later went on to have successful careers in the electrical field themselves. He was always up for a challenge and faced each day with a positive attitude. He was in the electrical trade for 64 years.

George and Diane had three children; Reed (Rene), Larry (Christine), and Wendy (Scott). Along with the electrical business, George and Diane lived and raised their children on the family farm. They raised beef cattle, rode horses, and had various other animals throughout their time on the farm. All three children had the privilege of working for their dad on the farm and at G.O. Electric. 

George had such a love for the outdoors. This love was shared with his family and close friends. Many hours of his life were spent hunting, fishing, and camping in several northern states and provinces of Canada. His love for these things never left his heart.

George is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diane; three children Reed (Rene), Larry (Christine), and Wendy (Scott); ten grandchildren Douglas (Rebecca), Connor, and Colton Oien, (Jeff, Rachel, and Thomas Mynatt), Janae (Jacob) Fernholz and Rachael Oien, Megan White and Madison (Braden) Liljenquist; eight great grandchildren Beau, Thomas, Charlie, George, Jesslynn, Jennavieve, Marley and Gunner. 

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Helga Oien; his in-laws, Harry and Helga Becherl; his brother, Douglas Oien; granddaughter, Jessilyn Oien; and step-granddaughter Amber Mynatt.