Orville James Koland, 86

Orville James Koland, 86, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024 at his son’s, Nathan, home with family by his side. He was born on December 9th, 1937, in Drayton, North Dakota, the beloved son of Laurits and Adelaide (Hoskins) Koland and a lifelong resident of Lincoln Township in Marshall County, Minnesota.

Orville dedicated many years of his life to the community, serving as the township treasurer, Strandquist school board member, and a proud member of the American Legion Post #445. He also served on the Karlstad hospital and nursing board. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Karlstad and later became a member of Bethesda Church in Strandquist. Orville graduated in 1956 from Strandquist and remained deeply connected to his roots.

A man of the land, Orville found joy in working the soil as a farmer. His love for agriculture extended to working with dairy and beef cows. From 1960 to 1966, he proudly served in the National Guard. Later, he drove truck for Pro-Transport from 1978 to 2012, earning the esteemed title of “Driver of the Year” twice.

Orville’s journey into marriage and family life began on December 21, 1963, when he met the love of his life, Norma Schmidt, at a dance in Florian. Together, they built a beautiful family, and had five children: Michael, Lori, Mark, Nathan, and Jeremy.

Upon retirement, Orville rekindled passions, such as gardening and creating delicious salsa and jelly. Despite retiring, he continued to work, finding fulfillment in driving truck and hauling potatoes and beets.

Orville was not only a dedicated worker but also a devoted family man. He leaves behind a legacy as a son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Orville is survived by his loving wife, Norma Koland, and his five children: Michael (Susan) Koland, Lori (Corey) Wikstrom, Mark (Kelly) Koland, Nathan (Heather) Koland, Jeremy (Chrissy) Koland: and many grandchildren: Jacob, Mariah (Frankie), Molly (Justin), Alexia, Kyle, Jordan, Aaron (Abby), Dariann, Brenna (Jason) and family, Morgan (Austin), Claire (Trevor), Dalton, Alex, William, Emilia, James, and Adelaide: and great-grandchildren: Emelia, Neo, Raven, Aubrie, Brooklynn, Blair, Ridge, Tate, and Teagan. Each a testament to the love and warmth that Orville brought to his family.

Orville Koland was preceded in death by his parents, Laurits and Adelaide, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family and community.

May Orville rest in peace, and may his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Karlstad, MN.

VISITATION: One hour before services.

INTERMENT: Zion Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

ONLINE REGISTER BOOK: www.duborefuneralhome.com

MILITARY SERVICE BY: Karlstad American Legion Post 445 and National Guard Funeral Honors Team

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church for the upkeep of the church and cemetery.

Arrangements with DuBore Funeral Home of Warren, MN.

DuBore Funeral Home