Orville Raymond Wigern, 83, of Kiester, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at Albert Lea Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Kiester. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. The Rev. Dick Steffen will officiate and burial will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery in Kiester.
Orville Raymond Wigern was born Nov. 21, 1925, in Freeborn County. On Aug. 20, 1950, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Anderson in Albert Lea. He farmed his entire life and was co-owner of the Maple Café.
Orville was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, darts, farming, and telling stories and jokes. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Orville is survived by three daughters and their husbands: Gloria and Bill Peters of Johnston, Iowa, Julie and Jeff Stevermer of Bricelyn and Marsha and Larry Stenzel of Wabasha; one son and his wife, Michael and Debra Wigern of Kiester; and seven grandchildren: Jennifer West, Jarred, Brandon, Brittany, and Kelsey Stenzel, and Nicole and Zachary Wigern. He is also survived by three sisters and one brother: Ardis Schrader, Gilma Lamping, Betty Ann Elwell, and Manville Wigern; and special companion for 1 1/2 years, his dog Shadow.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Shirley, in 2005; five sisters: Irene Olson, Alice Schaper, Myrtle Chose, Mabel Haskett and Olga Becker.