Orion Cyril &8220;Big&8221; Kraske, age 85, of Austin died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005, at Austin Medical Center.

He was born April 26, 1920, in Albert Lea, to William and Virginia (Lau) Kraske.

Orion was Baptized and Confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. In 1938 Orion graduated from Albert Lea High School. On April 10, 1945, Orion married Theon Hoidal at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.

Orion was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin where he was a very active member of the parish. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Club. Orion worked 45 years for the Gamble-Robinson Company as a foreman and as an office manager. In addition to being an avid reader, Orion loved to dance, and to bowl. He loved all sports especially golf and football. He never missed one of his grandsons football games. Most of all Orion enjoyed being with his family.

Orion was preceded in death by: His parents, William and Virginia Kraske, Twin Brother Orlo Kraske and Brother Delferd Kraske.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be held at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and on Friday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church for one hour before the service.

Organist will be Neal Erickson. Soloist will be Neal Erickson. Casket Bearers will be Mark Kraske, John Kraske, Sidney Kraske, Joshua Kraske, Matthew Kraske, Emma Kraske, and Daniele Kraske.

Orion is Survived by: Wife: Theon Kraske of Austin, sons and daughter-in-law: John Kraske and Fiance Deborah Howell of Flagstaff, Ariz., Mark and Patte Kraske of Stillwater, grandchildren: Sidney Kraske of Minneapolis, Joshua Kraske of Minneapolis, Emma Kraske of Santa Barbara, Calif., Matthew Kraske of Flagstaff, Ariz., Daniele Kraske of Flagstaff, Ariz., Nieces and Nephews, Special Friends: Elner and Lois Dillavou of Rose Creek, Minn., Chet and Margaret Hoeper of Austin.

Memorials to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or to the Donors Choice.