Sidney J. Rio, age 74, resident of Michigan, ND, died Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center in Lakota, ND, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sidney James Rio was born January 5, 1937 in Nelson County, ND, the son of Sidney E. and Rose (Johnson) Rio. He grew up in Michigan, ND, where he attended school and graduated in 1955. He devoted his life to farming and had worked hard all of that time. He enjoyed the sport of curling for many years, fishing, deer hunting, and also gardening in recent retirement years.

Sidney is survived by a sister, Lucille (James) Lee of Dent, MN; a niece, Debbie (Todd) Kirchoffner of West Fargo, ND; a nephew, David Lee of Jacksonville, FL; his grandnephews; an uncle, Kenneth (Donna) Rio of Grand Forks, ND; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Delores.

The Funeral Service for Sidney will be held at the Michigan Lutheran Church, Michigan, ND, on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. Music will be provided by Jason Flom. Interment will be in the Michigan Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Jim Lee, Paul Odden, Ken Rio, Todd Kirchoffner, Les Hendrickson, and Elliott Johnson. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

All correspondence should be sent to Lucy Lee, 33735 Charlie Trapp Road, Dent, MN 56528.

Memorials may be directed to the Michigan Lutheran Church .