Gerald R. Orbell, 74

Gerald R. Orbell

Luverne – Gerald Richard Orbell, age 74, of Luverne, died Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Luverne. A memorial service was held Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, with Pr. Bill Sabol officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment was at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Easton. Military Honors were accorded by the Easton American Legion Post #569. The family prefers memorials be given in Gary’s name to The Minnesota Veteran’s Home, PO Box 539, Luverne, MN 56156. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells assisted the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com

Gerald Richard was born March 27, 1944, at the Winnebago Hospital, the son of John and Alma (Ward) Orbell. He was raised in Easton, and was confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He graduated in 1962 from Wells-Easton High school. Gary was a gifted mechanic, starting as a beginner in Easton. In February, 1963 he entered the US Army, where he served in Germany and Korea. He was honorably discharged in February, 1966. He was united in marriage to Diane Mino of Swea City, Iowa on June 10, 1967, and to this union two children, Laura and Marc, were born. The couple later divorced. Gary worked for the Chevy Garage in Wells before moving to Iowa, where he worked in the Ames and Des Moines area for Iowa Road Builders from 1969-1981. He also worked for Manatt’s Construction, and lastly Lynn Dennis Striping. In 2000 he suffered a stroke and could not continue working. He retired to Wells, living in the Broadway Apartments, before moving into Parkview Care center in 2004. Later that year he moved to the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Luverne, where he remained a resident for that last 14 years.

Gary is survived by his children, Laura (Mo) Meri, of Perry, Iowa, and Marc (Colleen) Orbell, of Waukee, Iowa; grandchildren, Marcus, Malachi, Myka, and Maecyn Meri; step-grandchildren, Zach and Alli Moore, Spencer Varner, and Tyler Schrier; sister, Aoltie (Bob) Roessler, of Minnesota Lake, two brothers, Bill (Marvel) Orbell, of Freeborn, Tim (Mary) Orbell, of Wells; aunt, Loretta Ward; nieces and nephews and their families, Ann (Paul) Giese, Susie (Jeff) Stenzel, Debbie Rensvold, Barbie (Doug) Doyle, Jennifer Emory, Kim (Tony) Davis and Alex (Jessica) Emory.

He was preceded in death by his parents.