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Orland H. Kruschke Obituary – 4/13/2014


Orland Herman Kruschke, age 90, of Lester Prairie, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2014, at Elim Care Center in Princeton.

He was born July 17, 1923, in Bergen Township, McLeod County, the son of Theodore and Magdeline (Lunow) Kruschke. Orland was baptized as an infant Aug. 5, 1923, by the Rev. W. Baumhoefner; and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth March 21, 1937, by the Rev. J. A. Schert, both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.

He received his education in Lester Prairie, graduating with the Lester Prairie High School class of 1941.

Orland entered active military service in the United States Army Jan. 22, 1945, and served his country in World War II. He received an honorable discharge Nov. 20, 1946.

Orland was united in marriage to Mavis Joyce Huser Feb. 28, 1948, by Rev. Streufert at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. Orland and Mavis made their home in Lester Prairie, and their marriage was blessed with three children, Kathy, Peggy, and Ted. Orland and Mavis shared over 66 years of marriage together.

Orland was a salesman for Biese Implement in Lester Prairie, owned and operated Headquarters Café in Lester Prairie, was a livestock truck driver, worked at Jordan Ford, was a butcher, and then a truck dispatcher for Lester’s Inc., retiring in 1989.

After retirement, he was a host at Bump’s Family Restaurant in Glencoe.

Orland was an active member at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, where he served as an elder and deacon. He was also a member of Lester Prairie American Legion Post 463, and a charter member of ShadowBrooke Golf Course in Lester Prairie.

He enjoyed baseball, golf, and playing cards, especially Skat.

Orland was a member of the 1941 Lester Prairie basketball team, which was the first team to ever go to a state tournament. He and his teammates were inducted into the Lester Prairie High School Hall of Fame in 2011, for their accomplishments.

Orland cherished the time spent with his friends and family, always loving the special times he shared with his granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife, Mavis Kruschke of Princeton; daughters Kathy Carlson and her husband, Ike, of Princeton, and Peggy Kruschke and her fiancé, Bob Moham, of Plymouth; a son, Ted Kruschke of Benicia, CA; grandchildren Genna Carlson of Minneapolis, and Catherine Kruschke of Benicia, CA; a brother, Ruben Kruschke and his wife, Ruth, of Glencoe; sisters-in-law LaJune Dibb of St. Cloud, and Bernice Kruschke of Hutchinson; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

Orland was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Magdeline Kruschke; brothers Ardin Kruschke, and Vernon Kruschke and his wife, Freida; sister Margaret Rehmann and her husband, Irvin; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Earl Dibb, and Norman Huser and his wife, Bea.

Funeral services took place Thursday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, followed by interment at the church cemetery.The Rev. Eric Nelson officiated at the services. Marsha Christenson was the organist. Congregational hymns were “How Great Thou Art,” “Rock Of Ages,” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.”

Military honors were provided by Lester Prairie American Legion Post 463.

Casket bearers were Gary Rehmann, Randy Rehmann, Chuck Sell, Mike McGuire, Gene Feltmann, and Larry Lunow.

Arrangements were handled by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Lester Prairie. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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