Rory Lee Metz

Rory Metz, 73, Alfred, ND died suddenly Sunday, August 24, 2025 in Gackle, ND.

Rory Lee Metz was born January 16, 1952 at Trinity Hospital in Jamestown the son of Reuben and Laura (Lammer) Metz. He grew up on the “home-place”, the Metz Farm near Alfred. He attended school in Alfred through 4th grade, the school merged with Gackle High School where he graduated in 1970. He graduated from NDSU in 1974, receiving a BS in Agronomy.

He and Sheila Anderson were the first couple to be married in the present Grace Baptist Church, Gackle, on June 5, 1977. They made their home in Leola and Sisseton, South Dakota where Rory was employed with the SD Extension Service as a County Agent in Roberts and McPherson County.

In 1983, a year after the death of Rory's mother, the decision was made to return to the family farm. Small grains and Red Angus Cattle have been the farm enterprises. More recently Rory has been employed by the Albin/Mark/Ryan Schlenker Farms.

Rory presently is a member of Kulm Baptist Church and has served as several church officers. As a young man Rory placed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Grace Baptist Church. Since that time, he has been involved in church ministry especially in the area of music. Rory began piano lessons in grade school, had his own recital as a sophomore in high school and has enjoyed playing piano and organ his entire life.

Other ministries that Rory was involved with were lntervarsity Christian Fellowship, AWANA, ALIVE, a gospel choir, and STEER INC. Rory enjoyed a time in Grenada, a STEER INC. trip to South Korea and many USA vacations. Enjoying time with extended family, friends and out-of-state hunters has always been important to Rory.

Rory is survived by his wife and three very special children, who have spent their growing-up years on the Metz farm where they enjoyed pets (including pet cows), play-houses, the "fort", Alfred Lake, and, of course, farm work (well, some liked it more than others!) Stephanie (Gary Patoka), Algona, IA; Timothy, Alfred, ND, and Jonathan (Tanya) Gackle, ND; and one Granddaughter, Mabelyn and one grandson William. A special learning experience was "adopting" foreign exchange students into the family; Leo Homem and Leo Bertholdi of Brazil, and Laci Szilagyi of Siavokia. He also leaves behind a brother, Grant (Jan) of MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

It was Rory’s wish that his body be donated to the UND School of Medicine.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to STEER Inc. -1025 N. 3rd St, Bismarck, ND 58501 or Gackle Ambulance, PO Box 277, Gackle, ND 58442