Orrin was born September 28, 1928 in Steele County Minnesota the son of Louis and Josephine (Fischer) Ribbe. He graduated from Ellendale High School in 1946. Orrin served his country in the US Army during the occupation of Japan from 1946 until his discharge in October of 1947. On May 27, 1950 he was unite in marriage to Inez Jacobson at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church. That same year they moved to New Richland. Orrin was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he was an usher and past president of the congregation.

For over 26 years, Orrin was a mechanic for the New Richland School District. He also worked for the Watonwan Farm Service and owned the Napa Auto Parts Store in New Richland.

Orrin was a member of the New Richland Volunteer Fire Department where he had served as chief. He was an active member of the New Richland Ambulance for many years, and was past president of the board of directors HUD.

He loved bowling, dancing, fast pitch softball, card playing, hunting, fishing and being a part of his high school reunions.

Orrin is survived by his wife of 63 years Inez of New Richland, MN, sons Norman (Elle) Ribbe of North Mankato, MN, and Mark (Dawn Miller) Ribbe of Blooming Prairie, MN. Grandchildren include Heather and Stephanie Ribbe, Jason Ribbe, Melissa (Jason) Neeb, Laura (Craig) Golding and Zack Ribbe. There are three great grandchildren Nathan Ribbe, Griffin Neeb and Kira Neeb, one special nephew James (Barb) Yanke of Dodge Center, MN, one sister Ella Nelson of Albert Lea, MN, brother in law Sylvan (Evelyn) Jacobson of New Richland, MN, sister in law Jeannette Jacobson of New Richland, MN.

Orrin was preceded in death by his parents, son Thomas Ribbe and infant son David Ribbe.