Funeral services for Orville Tufte, age 83, of Albert Lea were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2004, at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Rev. Dan Baker officiated. Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Freeborn County Servicemen’s organizations. Visitation was to 7 p.m. Friday, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the Church.

Orville died Wednesday, October 6, 2004, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.

Orville Tufte was born June 27, 1921, to Thomas and Caroline (Bothum) Tufte in Hayward. He attended Bell Country School and Albert Lea High School. Orville served in the United States Army during World War II in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Award. After his discharge, Orville returned to Albert Lea and was employed at Wilson & Co. for over 40 years. On May 5, 1953, he was united in marriage to Audres Waage Bachtle in Sioux Falls, S.D. The couple owned and operated the Potosi Inn in Austin. Orville was a member of the First Lutheran Church, the American Legion, the VFW and the Eagle’s. He especially enjoyed bowling.

Survivors include his step children: Darlene Anderson and her husband, Arnold of Bricelyn, Arliss Bachtle and his wife, Maxine of Albert Lea, Gary Bachtle and his wife, Marliss (Molly) of Northwood, and Lanny Bachtle and his wife, Joan of Shawnee, Kan.; 24 step grandchildren; many step great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Thomas Tufte; his wife, Audres; step-daughter Janis and her husband Steven Reeder, and four sisters: June, Agnes, Veidia, and Otilia.