Orville Joseph Ernest Eitel, 83, of Wadena, formerly of Sebeka, died Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena.
He was born to Herman and Clara (Neldner) Eitel on April 25, 1923, on a farm in Rockwood Township, Wadena County, where he was raised, and continued to farm all of his life. He graduated from Sebeka High School in 1940. He was united in marriage to Marian Milbradt on June 10, 1946. Five children blessed this union. He was a lifetime member of the Missouri Lutheran Synod. He served in many capacities in the church, including four years on the Wadena Zone Lutheran Layman's League, five years as Minnesota North District President of the Lutheran Layman's League and eight years as lay delegate on the Minnesota North District Lutheran Layman's League. A high point in church activity was his election as Wadena Zone Lay Delegate to the Missouri Lutheran Synod convention held in Milwaukee, Wis. It was his pleasure to serve on the election committee at the request of Dr. J.A.O. Preus, president of the Missouri Lutheran Synod. Other offices held in his lifetime were PTA president, Sebeka Creamery Board and 10 years as supervisor on the Wadena County Soil and Water Board. He was a salesman for Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants and for Lords Power Company Solar Panels. He enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, fishing and traveling. After the children were grown up and left home, he and Marian had the opportunity to travel and visit nearly all the states.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka with the Rev. Raymond Hendrickson officiating. Honorary pallbearers were all relatives and friends. Active casketbearers included David Eitel, Jon Eitel, Paul Eitel, Dennis Eitel, Rodger McAleer and Anthony McAleer. Interment was at Green Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by the Wevley Funeral Home of Sebeka.
Survivors include two daughters, Peggy Joann McAleer and her husband Rodger of Moorhead; Jane Marian Eitel of Minneapolis; three sons, David Allen Eitel and his wife Barbara of Sebeka; Jon Orville Eitel and his wife Shelley of Minneapolis; Paul James Eitel of Sebeka; one sister, Renilda Olson and her husband Willis of Glyndon; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Marian and sister, Isabelle Meyer.
