Orville David Petersen

Orville David Petersen, age 93, of Albert Lea died on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by three generations of family.  Visitation for Orville will be held at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 18th and one hour prior to the service at the church.  The celebration of his life will be held at Bridge Community Church North (previously known as Calvary Baptist Church) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 19th.  Reverend Clayton Balsley will officiate and the VFW and American Legion Honor Guard will accord military honors.

Orville David Petersen was born on July 30, 1922 in Clarks Grove, MN, the son of David and Grace Marie (Christopherson) Petersen. He grew up and went to school in Albert Lea, his childhood friendships endured throughout his life. Orville served in the Army during WWII and attended Dunwoody Institute for Refrigeration.   On December 9, 1950 he was united in marriage to Dorothy K. Klaven at East Freeborn Lutheran Church. Orville was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, and a member of the Fountain Lake Sportsman's Club. Orv worked at Scottsman (Queen Stoves) for 35 ½ years in various positions. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, camping, fishing, and traveling. Orville’s grandchildren loved going for walks with grandpa, visiting parks and listening to stories about his experience sailing around the world during WWII.

Survivors include his best friend and wife of 64 years; Dorothy; children Cindi Petersen, Jerry Petersen, Dan O. Petersen, and Tim M. Petersen; son-in-law Edward (Eileen) Menefee; grandchildren Tara (Fred) Renchin, Nathan (Carissa) Menefee, Natalie Menefee, Anna Petersen, Dan M. Petersen, David W. Petersen,  Elizabeth Petersen, Jesse Petersen, Joshua Petersen, Ashley, Christina, Sasha and Sierra Petersen and Kris Goodwin; great-grandchildren; Amanda (Jordan) Montes, Jered (Brittani Zuniga) Talamantes, Jace (Kelly Kaasa) Talamantes, Emma and Abby Renchin, Dylan, Joseph, Bryce, Jacob, Keeley, Gage, Krista Petersen and Denzel Petersen; great-great-grandchildren Alyvia Talamantes and Liam Talamantes; sisters Patricia (Tom) Benson and Elaine Bjelland and many nieces and nephews.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Nancy Menefee, grandson Sean O’Brien, brothers Robert W. and Eugene Petersen, and sisters and brothers-in-law; Doris (Paul) Coyle, Arline (Bud) Nelsen, Donna (Frank) Bartz and Bob Bjelland.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the American Legion of Albert Lea.