Orville Simonsen, 86, of Albert Lea, entered God’s eternal care on October 19, 2024.

Orville Simonsen

Orville was born at home in Alden, MN on February 10, 1938, to Niels and Esther Simonsen, and was the oldest of two children. He was baptized and confirmed at the Danish Lutheran Church in Alden. During his school years, he participated in 4H, FFA, and football. He graduated from Alden High School in 1956, and from Mankato Commercial College in 1958. Orville served as a supply sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1956-1964. On February 20, 1959, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Simonsen at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea. Together they raised three children – Mark, Jay, and Beth.

Orville enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting, fishing, woodworking, and meticulously caring for his yard and vehicles. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing most anything, a talent appreciated by friends and relatives. He also enjoyed western movies, coffee with “the guys,” and keeping current with daily news, weather, and the stock market.

Orville initially worked in the savings and loan industry for 23 years and was a certified real estate appraiser. For the next phase of his career, he became the proud owner and operator of the former Simonsen’s Farm Systems for 21 years, retiring in 2002.

In earlier years, Orville volunteered his service to the Albert Lea Jaycees, Albert Lea Lions Club, and First Presbyterian Church. In later years, he provided quiet but insightful leadership serving as a director of the Albert Lea (Graceland) Cemetery Association and as a director of St. John’s Lutheran Community. He enjoyed being a member of the Building Committee, which oversaw the construction of the new campus on Fountain Lake. He volunteered for the Ecumenical Food Pantry, was a long-time member of Ducks Unlimited, and a member of the former Fountain Investment Club. He was proud of the variety of jobs and leadership roles he held over his lifetime.

Orville requested a heartfelt thank you to go out to the oncology staff at Mayo, who cared for him and treated him as a friend for the last five years.

Survivors include two children, Jay Simonsen of Woodbury, and Beth Simonsen of Eden Prairie; sister, Elaine Werner; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jean Streyle, Marie Sundet, Hildegard Radke, Elizabeth (Kent) Urness, and Ronald (Betsy) Streyle.

Orville was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy Simonsen; son, Mark Simonsen; brothers and sisters-in-law, William Werner, Robert Streyle, Waldemar Sundet, Evelyn (Philip) Hunt, Verona (Larry) Butenhoff, and Jeffrey Radke.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Community, 901 Luther Place, Albert Lea, MN 56007, or Ecumenical Food Pantry, 308 Water Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007.