Earl William Orr

Earl “Bill” Orr, age 94, died on Friday, November 10, 2017, at Gabriel House in Murdock, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue from 2 -3 p.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 15, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Earl William Orr was born on August 29, 1923, in Rice County, Minnesota, the son of Earl and Rose (Caron) Orr. He grew up and attended grade school in Dundas, Minnesota. He graduated from Fairbault High School and worked at Rexall Drug.  In 1942, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II from January of 1942 to May of 1946.

On June 6, 1948, Bill was united in marriage to Rita Margaret Hanlon in Faribault, Minnesota. This union was blessed with over 45 years of marriage and nine children. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1950. He was a teacher at Benson High School for over 32 years. His love of teaching touched so many lives…his students, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill also worked as a hail adjuster and prepared income taxes for individuals and businesses. He enjoyed bird watching, traveling, gardening, cross country skiing, golfing, putting puzzles together, and he especially loved spending time with his family and friends. Bill was called from this life on Friday evening, November 10, 2017, at Gabriel House in Murdock, Minnesota, surrounded by his family. He attained the age of 94 years 2 months and 12 days.

He is survived by his children: Dan (Sheri) Orr of Sauk Rapids, Dave (Carol) Orr of Montgomery, Carolyn Howard (Robert Mikkelson) of Benson, Tom Orr of Benson, Nancy (Jerry) Welch of Spicer, Pat (Bruce) Tengwall of Benson, Mary (Terry) Cameron of Clontarf; Bob (Terri) Orr of Benson, and Jayne (Jeff) Thielke of Benson; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry Orr of Faribault; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Rose; his wife, Rita on May 3, 1994; 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 4 brothers-in-law, and 3 sisters-in-law. Blessed be his memory.