Orvin Stadheim, 87, of Ellendale

Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 15, 2006

Orvin Russell Stadheim, age 87, of Ellendale, died on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at the Albert Lea Medical Center from complications of a stroke.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, rural New Richland with the Rev. Charles Espe officiating. Visitation will be held in Ellendale at the Bonnerup Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, and one hour prior to services at church on Tuesday. Interment will be in the East Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery, rural Albert Lea. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements.

Orvin Russell Stadheim was born April 25, 1918, the son of Ole E. and Redikka (Moen) Stadheim on the family farm in Bancroft Township, Freeborn County. He attended country school through the eighth grade. Orvin worked at several creameries including the Lardahl Creamery as assistant butter maker, prior to his purchasing a farm north of Ellendale.

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Orvin was united in marriage to Sylvia Irene Hillman on June 5, 1940, at the Central Freeborn parsonage. Orvin and Sylvia milked Guernsey cows and farmed for many years along side their son Steve. He retired in 1994 at the age of 78.

Orvin was on the Berlin Township Board for 27 years. He was a member of LeSueur River Lutheran Church and had served on the church council. Orvin enjoyed visiting with friends and family, gardening and animals of all kinds. He also enjoyed reading and keeping up with current events. Orvin especially loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His sense of humor, calm nature and positive attitude will be missed.

He is survived by his son: Steven and his wife Doris Stadheim of Ellendale; three grandchildren: Susan and her husband Nathan Nasinec of Wells, Patricia and her husband Chris Bell of Eau Claire, Wis., Darrin and his wife Linda Stadheim of Owatonna; six great-grandchildren: Brandon, Aaron and Cameron Nasinec of Wells, Rebecca, Griffin and Hayden Bell of Eau Claire, Wis., and one great-grandchild on the way; one sister: Helen and her husband L.B. Boyd of Alexandria, Va.; four nephews and one niece and their families; many cousins and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sylvia in 1992, one brother Alfred Stadheim and one sister and brother-in-law: Cora and Gilbert Kvale.