Orrin Foslien

Orrin Alfred Foslien Jr. was born March 22, 1942, in Glenwood, Minnesota the son of Orrin and Dagmar (Johnson) Foslien Sr. He was baptized and confirmed at West Moe Lutheran Church in Moe Township. Orrin attended country grade school and graduated from Jefferson High School Class of 1960, furthered his education at NDSU, then moved to California where he started working in finance for the railroad. At night Orrin would "banjo his way to fame and glory", eventually taking his musical career fulltime. A Master Luthier and Craftsman, he later owned and operated Da Eastside Guitar Werks in Detroit, MI.
Some highlights in his musical career include: being the first banjo player on the Delta Queen River Boat as it traveled the Mississippi; meeting and playing for political nominations, etc. for Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush; playing a private party for Henry Ford’s II birthday; jazz festivals in the U.S and Europe, and performing in Carnegie Hall. He founded the Flat Rock Society Orchestra and was a principal member of the Red Garter Band and the New McKinney's Cotton Pickers.
Orrin was united in marriage to Linda Joy from 1964 to 1975. To this union three children were born: Orrin III, Andrew, and Lauren. In 1981 he met Carol Robinett in Detroit, Michigan. "It was love at first sight" and they were married in 1984. The couple lived in Michigan until 1997 when they moved back to the family farm in Moe Township. One of the proudest days of his life was July 12, 2015 which the City of Alexandria proclaimed "Orrin Foslien Day". On that day he also received the Excellence In Service Award from the National Association of Music Merchants.
Orrin will be remembered for his fun loving, caring, generous personality – especially to those in need. He never met a stranger and didn’t hesitate to share his quick wit. He had a true love for Jesus Christ.
Orrin died on Thursday, May 12th, 2016, “at the farm in Moe Township” under hospice care, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Carol; sons: Orrin III (Janine), Andrew (Tammy); daughter, Lauren Ezelle; two grandchildren: Rachel (Matt) Baars, Madeleine Foslien; sister, Susan (Keith) Foslien McCoy, plus a large extended family and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anita.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Garfield with Rev. David Gran officiating. Burial will be at West Moe Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net
In Orrin's words: “Thank You God, AMEN”.