Oklee – Orlan Stolaas, 89, of rural Oklee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls.
Orlan Berlyn Stolaas was born on October 6, 1934 in Thief River Falls, the son of Olaf and Beatrice (Bammerud) Stolaas. He was baptized and confirmed at Oak Park Lutheran Church, rural Oklee. Orlan attended Pleasant View Country School in Deer Park Township, Pennington County. He graduated in 1952 from Northwest School of Agriculture High School (currently UMC) in Crookston.
Following high school, Orlan worked on the family farm.
At a dance in Highlanding on July 4, 1956, Orlan met the love of his life, Clarice Marie Olson. On February 23, 1957, the couple was married at Hafslo Lutheran Church, rural Crookston. To this union three children were born, Gelene, Jodi and Joel. The couple made their home on the Stolaas family farm where they continued living their entire lives. They worked hard over the years milking cows, raising small grains and hay. Orlan even ran the grain cart this fall.
Orlan was an active member of the Ebenezer Lutheran Church where he served on various boards and councils and was a proud member of the Gideons. He served on the Deer Park Township Board and Red Lake County Co-op Board, and was a member of the FSA (Farm Service Agency), NFO (National Farmers Organization), American Dairy Association, and many others.
Orlan and Clarice enjoyed following their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their activities. He loved teasing the grandkids and giving whisker rubs. Orlan enjoyed traveling, deer hunting, playing cards and visiting with family and friends.
Orlan is survived by his children, Gelene (Vincent) Lundeen of rural Oklee, Jodi (Galen) Peters of Goodridge, and Joel (Leann) Stolaas of rural Oklee; grandchildren, Kelsie (Jeff) Krein, Robbie (April) Lundeen, Nathan Peters, Katie Lundeen, Christopher Peters, Chelsey (fiancé, Wesley Regier) Peters; great-grandchildren, Alex and Jack Krein, Shyloh Peters; brother-in-law, Dean Olson of Erskine; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Clarice in 2021; parents; and sister, Beulah (Lester) Vad.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, rural Oklee, with Reverend Jonathan Dodson officiating. Burial will be held at Ebenezer Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 5–7 p.m. with a
7 p.m. prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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