Orval Howard Amdahl

Orval Howard Amdahl, 95, of Lanesboro, died peacefully surrounded by family at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015.

Orval was born May 26, 1919, to Alfred and Alphine (Sickle) Amdahl. He graduated from Lanesboro High School and St. Olaf College. He taught at Lanesboro High School prior to entering World War II as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant until being promoted to Captain in the Marine Corps. He served two tours of duty in the Pacific Theater for a total of 31 months. At the end of the first tour he was stationed in Nagasaki, Japan with the Occupation Force.

After the war he managed Farmers & Merchants Lumber Yard until he was elected county recorder where he retired after 40 years. Orval was an active member in Fillmore County and Lanesboro American Legion, Preston V.F.W., Forty & 8, Boy Scouts, Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Lanesboro), Christ Lutheran Church (Preston), Sons of Norway and March of Dimes. He enjoyed the outdoors, played first baseman on the Lanesboro baseball team (10 years), camping, reading and spending time with family. All his life Orval worked to promote world peace, and that all Americans are proud of their country. Recently, he was honored with the opportunity to return a World War II sword, which he took care of for 68 years to the son of the original owner of Nagasaki, Japan.

Orval is survived by his wife, Marie (of 72 years); children, Ronald (Diane) Amdahl of Rochester, James (Kim) Amdahl of Flandreau, S.D., and Karyl (Steve) Tammel of Spring Valley; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, daughter, Ann O’Loughlin and great-granddaughter, Liberty Amdahl.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with Pastor Kerry Eversole officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. Military rites by the American Legion of Lanesboro. Private burial will take place at Lanesboro Cemetery at a late.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is in charge of arrangements.