Orris Balgaard

Orris Joel Balgaard was born January 9, 1931 at Ashby, MN, the son of Jacob and Lilly (Elberling) Balgaard. He was baptized at the Pelican Lake Lutheran Church and raised by his aunt and uncle, Jennie and George Thompson. He helped on the farm until the age of twenty-one.

Orris lived in Fergus Falls, Faribault and Brainerd before moving to the home of Orvin & Nadine Johnson in 1970 in Alexandria, MN. In 1980 Orris began working with the DAC in Alexandria. In 1991 Orris made his home with foster care giver Sher Gunafson. In 2005 he moved to Osakis, MN where he lived in the REM home.

Orris worked with the Developmental Achievement Center in Alexandria. He was very proud to receive the DAC Employee of the Quarter Award. Orris looked forward to attending church on Sundays. He loved watching western movies and television shows. Any movie with John Wayne was a great movie and his favorite shows included Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Lone Ranger and, of course, The Rifleman. Orris enjoyed old cars and trains. He liked to take pictures and liked watching parades. Orris also collected anything from John Deere.

On Thursday, August 24, 2017 Orris died peacefully at his home with his care givers at his side. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Delane and Arlene; and brothers, LuVerne and Gordon. Orris is survived by his sister, Sylvia Bluck of Michigan; and many friends and caregivers.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Justin Fenger will officiate. Interment will follow in the Pelican Lake Cemetery at Ashby.

Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.