Orrin Lommen

Orrin Alfred Lommen, the youngest son of Alfred and Hannah (Dau) Lommen was born on February 15, 1940 in Alexandria MN.  In 1959 he graduated with the first senior class to graduate from Jefferson High School in Alexandria. Following graduation he worked for Kluver Garbage Collectors for several years.  He then got his dream job of working for the City of Alexandria in the street department.  He was known for his hard work ethic.  He worked there until his retirement in 2002.  He loved his job and the people he worked with over all those years.

A favorite past time of Orrin’s was to drive around Alexandria in whichever Buick vehicle he owned at the time. He reminisced quite often about what “used” to be where and how places had changed.  He remembered when Broadway was not tarred, and cars parked diagonally. He was a great Alexandria historian. Orrin was a man of faith.  He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria his whole life.  He found comfort in his relationship with God.

Orrin had a kind, gentle soul. He loved and cared for his family deeply.  His yard was important to him.  His flowers, his grass, the birds that were overfed, and even those pesky squirrels.  He spent many hours on his John Deere tractor meticulously mowing his yard.  During the winters, while he was able, he blew the snow for the two blocks of sidwewalk by his home—that was just who he was.

After his retirement, Friday mornings became his time to make the weekly trip to Miltona to the Locker Plant.  He was known for his grilled burgers and homemade barbecue sauce. Orrin attended 50+ Minnesota State Fairs.  He brought many goodies back to Alexandria to share with many friends.  Sweet Martha’s cookies and that famous State Fair taffy.  His Lipton iced tea was a favorite drink he never tired of. Hours were spent by the TV enjoying Minnesota Gopher sports, men’s or women’s, he watched them all. The Andy Griffith show became a favorite, he could tell you what Barney Fife was going to say or do next!

Orrin passed away at his home Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Orrin was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Donna Lommen and Gloria Lommen, and his brother, Howard Lommen. He is survived by his family, Dewey and Joni Marusak, and their children and grandchildren, Heidi (Chad) Borgen, Brenna and Brayden, Justin Marusak, Brett (Angie) Marusak and Hunter, and good friend and life-long neighbor, Jan Kalina.

“Your wings were ready but our hearts were not.”

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Burial will take place at Kinkead Cemetery.