Funeral Services for Irvin Farrand, age 91, of O'Neill will be 11:00 am Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Word of Life Christian Center in O'Neill with burial to follow in the Dorsey Cemetery. Rev. Jim Loutzenhiser will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Irvin passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to Word of Life Christian Center. Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Irvin John Farrand was born on November 20, 1928 on the family farm at Dorsey, Nebraska, the seventh child and sixth son of William and Minnie (Gibson) Farrand. Irvin grew up on the family farm, which was homesteaded about 1881 by his great grandfather, Rev. D.W. Rosenkrans. He learned to do chores early in life. He loved tractors and as a small child, would go over the hill to the neighbor's field and they would let him ride awhile with them. He attended country school at District #4. Although a good student, he had poor eyesight and did not attend high school.

Irvin learned to do field work early and was at home on a John Deere tractor. He and his brother Clarence farmed together. They put in irrigation, first a tow line and then changed to center pivot. Part of the farm was seven miles away and made for a lot of road travel with machinery. Many days were long hours in the field. He was proud of his John Deere 2510 tractor. He milked cows too, which added to chores, morning and night.

Irvin began to have health problems, so he decided it was time to sell out and retire to town. A home was bought in O'Neill, where he and his sister lived for 12 years. Growing things was in his blood and he raised a big garden which kept him busy. In 2000, Irvin went to Oregon with some family members to the Farrand Cousin Reunion, where he met all his cousins. Health problems made it necessary for another move to the Evergreen Assisted Living, where he lived for 12 years until his passing.

Irvin was a member of the Word of Life Christian Center. He helped with the church and the Christian School when he could.

Irvin is survived by four nephews, Merlyn (Linda) Farrand of Manchester, Iowa, Wayne (Janice) Farrand of West Des Moines, Iowa, Glenn (Diana) Farrand of Ankeny, Iowa, Wendell (Beverly) Farrand of Strafford, Missouri; one niece, Sheryl Farrand of Clive, Iowa; eleven great nieces and nephews; twenty-five great-great nieces and nephews.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Forrest Farrand, Norman Farrand, Foster Farrand, Howard Farrand, Clarence Farrand; and one sister, Morna Farrand.