Funeral services for Orrie Jirele, of Albert Lea, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Timothy T. Reker and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service at the church. Private interment will be in St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery.

Orrie died on Saturday evening, Sept. 21, 2013. He was 73 years of age.

Orrie was born May 14, 1940, in Austin, the son of Ed and Rita (Bellrichard) Jirele. He attended St. Augustine School and graduated from Pacelli High School where he played basketball. He then attended St. Bonaventure College in Olean, N.Y. Orrie then spent one year out of college working for the Hormel Company while attending Penn State in 1964. He returned to Minnesota to join his family and his love of hunting and fishing.

Orrie taught math at Pacelli High School in Austin where he met his wife Marie. They were married July 31, 1965.

Together they moved to Rochester and Lourdes High School where he coached varsity basketball to three state championships. After three years they moved to Green Bay, Wis., and taught math and coached basketball where he gave the fans five exciting years. In 1973, they returned with their family to Albert Lea where he coached and was a counselor at Albert Lea High School for 15 years. He continued to be a counselor until his retirement.

Orrie was very involved with the community and played violin in two community orchestras. He was an active member of St. Theodore Catholic Church, served on church council and was a trustee.

Orrie is survived by his wife, Marie of Albert Lea; children, David and his wife, Jessica, of Eden Prairie, Ted and his wife, Cynthia, Froid of Minneapolis, Pat and his wife, Ann, of Chaska; grandchildren whom he gave so much of his time and love include Alex, Andrea, Anthony, Abrielle, Samuel, Edward, Wallace, Megan, Grace and Ryan; sister, Cleo (Tom) Grebin of Austin; brothers, Allan (Mary) Jirele of Wahpeton, N.D., and Neil Jirele of Austin; brothers-in-law, Clark Bower, Douglas (Bev) Bower and Peter (Elisa) Bower; and sister-in-law, Carol (Lars) Larson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Edward Jirele.

He touched so many hearts and will be dearly missed.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.