Orlan Brunsvold

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Orlan Sander Brunsvold, age 95, passed away on July 25, 2021.

Orlan was born February 27, 1926 on the family farm near Kensett, Iowa. He was the son of Albert E. and Cora (Roslein) Brunsvold. He attended country school in Northern Minnesota and near Hanlontown, Iowa. In March of his junior year and after his father’s spine surgery, Orlan had to drop out of school to help on the farm. He continued to work on the farm until he joined the US Army on December 7, 1944. Orlan served his country until November 11, 1946. After WWII, Orlan attended Aviation School and became an airplane mechanic at Northwest Airlines. During the 1970’s, he ran a number of Dairy Queens and opened The Soft Top Shop in Cottage Grove.

On February 18, 1951, Orlan married Marion Jenkins. In 1952 they welcomed their son, Steve, and in 1955 their daughter, Cindy. Orlan and Marion were married for 39 years but sadly in 1990, Marion passed away. In October of 1990, Orlan went to Arizona and spent the winter with his sister and her husband, Ruvella and Harry Barnd. He enjoyed his stay so much that he bought his own place and spent the next 22 winters in Arizona.

Orlan was a very social person. There wasn't a joke or story he wouldn't tell you at least two times.  He loved to dance, play cards, fix things, and help others. In his later years, he spent many nights at the Legion and VFW dancing with friends. He also was involved in organizing Lutifisk dinners and planning parties and street dances for his neighbors in the mobile park where he lived.

Not many people get to reach 95 and live such a full and healthy life, but he did and his family is grateful for that. He will be greatly missed by many.

Orlan was a loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle, and friend. He was blessed with six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; parents Albert and Cora Brunsvold; step-mother, Sylvia (Moen); half-brother, Donald Brunsvold; step-brothers Kenneth Moen, Dale Moen and Richard Moen; loving sister, Ruvella Barnd; and infant sister Audra C. Brunsvold; as well as aunts, uncles and extended family members. Orlan is survived by his children, Steve (Debbie) Brunsvold and Cindy (Jim) Docken; grandchildren, Angela (Rick) Raven, Justin (Jennifer) Brunsvold, Jason Brunsvold (friend Sara Benesh) Cara Docken, Kyle Docken (fiance Gabby Anderson) and Kevin Docken; great-grandchildren, Nick Raven, Zack Raven, Chase Raven, Alyssa Raven, Carter Brunsvold and Lily Brunsvold; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Visitation 9 AM with Funeral Service beginning at 11 AM, Tuesday, August 3, 2021, King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Dr., Woodbury, MN, 55125.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in Orlan's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 10:50 AM.  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.