Orley A. Koljord

HOFF FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE - RUSHFORD, 507-864-7771 Peterson, Minn. - Orley A. Koljord, 83, of rural Peterson, Minn. died on Sunday, January 9, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family. Orley was born on October 24, 1927, in Arendahl Township of Fillmore County, Minn. to Ole and Alma (Michaelson) Koljord. He was raised in rural Peterson and attended Gilbertson Country School. Orley served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On March 16, 1957, he married Eileen Highum at Rushford Lutheran Church in Rushford, Minn. Orley farmed for many years on the family farm. He also worked for Benson Feed Mill in Peterson and Rush Products in Rushford. He was a very active member of the North Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro, Minn. where Orley served on the church council, was a deacon, served as Treasurer of the cemetery and was church custodian. He was a member of the Gilbertson-Rude American Legion Post # 526 of Peterson where he was Commander and Adjutant. Orley also served as the Fillmore County Commander of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; four children: Lynne Clarke and Lisa Koljord, both of Rushford, LeeAnn (Robert) Lyden of LaCrosse, Wis. and Leon Koljord of Minneapolis, Minn.; three grandchildren: Jessica Clarke, and Megan and Michelle Lyden; one brother, Robert (Janet) Koljord of LaCrescent, Minn., and by nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. The funeral service for Orley will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, at North Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro, Minn. with the Rev. Janet Warnes officiating. There will be Military Rites by the Gilbertson - Rude American Legion Post. Following the service Orley's body will be cremated with burial of his cremated body at North Prairie Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Leave a memory of Orley and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
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