Orville Botner

Orville Arnold Botner age 85 of the Garfield/Alexandria area passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A memorial service will take place on Friday, June 23, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria at 2:00 PM. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with www.andersonfuneral.net

Orville Arnold Botner was born on January 19, 1932 in Garfield, Minnesota one of four children of Robert and Anna (Severson) Botner. He attended grade school at District 8 School and graduated from Central High School in 1949. He worked at a local restaurant for a year after graduating from high school before enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1951 to 1955. After being honorably discharged from the military he attended Minneapolis Business College. A mutual friend introduced Orville to Ardis Wig and the two were united in marriage on August 2, 1958. The union was blessed with two children, Susan and Rick.

Orville worked for the First Bank Corporation for several years in Alexandria, Cloquet and Wheaton. He then took a job at Northern State Bank in Thief River Falls from 1968 and retired as Vice President in 1994. Orville and Ardis purchased a lake lot in the early 1970's near Alexandria and built a cabin for summer weekends. They later built a retirement home and moved to the lake permanently in 2004.

They also traveled across the United States in a camper, often touring any and every antique dealership along the way. They started to buy and sell antiques themselves later in life in Alexandria. In his spare time when not with his family or working, he enjoyed bowling and working with stained glass. Orville was part of a foursome that golfed together for twenty-five years playing, visiting and making memories. He could also be found cheering on Minnesota sports teams or tapping his toe to country music.

Orville served and supported his church in many roles, both as a member, treasurer and council member. He often accepted things as they came; he was a kind hearted man who supported and loved his family. He enjoyed the Christmas season and took special care in selecting thoughtful and generous gifts.

Orville passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of eighty-five. He is survived by his wife, Ardis; children, Susan Botner, and husband, Michael Gonshorowski, son, Rick Botner; granddaughter, Laura Gonshorowski; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister, Clarice Vee; and brothers, Bernie and Archie Botner.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place later that day.