Service Information
Orion E. Lokensgard, age 95, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 A.M., at Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 9:30-11:00 A.M., 1 ½ hours prior to the service at the church.
Memorials preferred.
Obituary
Orion Edlow Lokensgard was born on November 9, 1927, in Lake Prairie Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota. He was the son of Ole and Orpha (Nelson) Lokensgard. Orion was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Minnesota. He received his education in St. Peter, and was a graduate of the St. Peter High School Class of 1946. Orion furthered his education at Mankato Business College in Mankato, Minnesota.
Orion entered active military service in the United States Navy while he was a senior in high school on April 6, 1946. He was honorably released from active duty on February 7, 1948. On November 9, 1950, Orion was re-entered to active duty. He proudly served his country during World War II. During his deployments, Orion went to China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. He received an Honorable Discharge on March 7, 1952, and achieved the rank of Fireman.
On August 26, 1950, Orion was united in marriage to Mildred “Milly” Kiecker at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Wellington Township, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, Michelle, Bradley, Brian and Lisa. Orion and Milly resided in Fairfax, Minnesota, before making their home in Hutchinson, Minnesota in 1958. They shared 63 years of marriage until Milly passed away on January 14, 2014.
Orion began working for Beise Implement in Hutchinson, and continued there until it closed. In 1965, Orion and Ben Piehl opened L&P Supply. After Ben left, Orion continued to run the business until his sons, Brad and Brian joined him in 1978. He retired in the early 1990’s. Orion was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 96.
Orion and Milly enjoyed traveling and went on many adventures together. In 1990, they spent a little over two weeks traveling through Europe. Orion and Milly also spent many months in Mexico over 20 years, with the majority of that time being spent in Mazatlán. They would frequently meet up with friends from their local church as well as becoming close with some of the locals there. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Orion passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Harmony River Living Center, at the age of 95 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Orion is survived by his:
Children, Michelle Deering and her husband, Gary of Bloomington, MN,
Bradley Lokensgard and his wife, Donna of Silver Lake, MN,
Brian Lokensgard and his wife, Patty of Hutchinson, MN,
Lisa Synstelien of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Benjamin (Laura) Deering, Andrew Deering, Molly Deering, Jenna Lokensgard, Jared Lokensgard, Nicole (Shane) Nephew, Justin Sitz, Amanda Lokensgard, Sarah (Phil) Huerta, Thomas (Angela) Lokensgard, Micheal (Davina) Johnson, Angie Johnson (Special Friend, Timmy Leung), Zach Synstelien;
Great Grandchildren, Cora Sitz, Judah Sitz, Nash Nephew, Knox Nephew, Sophia Huerta, Samuel Huerta, Owen Deering, Connor Deering, Brooklyn Leung, Mikaela Johnson, Makenna Johnson, Anders Johnson;
Sister, Carol Anderson of Hayfield, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Orion is preceded in death by his Parents, Ole and Orpha Lokensgard; Wife, Mildred Lokensgard; Brother, Merlyn Lokensgard.
Shari Schultz says
So sorry for your loss! He was a great man! We will miss him!
Paul & Shari & family
Cheryl Buboltz says
Orion’s family,
I am so to hear of Orion’s death. He was a very kind man and always so friendly. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Buboltz
Eva Coates says
My love and sympathies to Brad and Brian and the extended Lokensgard family. What a great guy your dad was. My favorite L&P guy! When Orion owned the L&P station by our house I would go over with my dad to see “Mr. Oreo” (as I would call him). Always so happy and easy-going…I treasure those memories. May your memories give you comfort today and always. Hugs. RIP Oreo.
Janice Heintz says
Keeping you all in our thoughts.
Janice and Chris
Patty Marconcini says
To the family of Orion…we are keeping you in our thoughts
Jim and Nancy French says
Chelle, Brad, Brian and Lisa,
Sending our deepest condolences to you and your families. What a life so well lived, and what an incredibly sweet and kind man. Brings me back to our high school days, Chelle and the countless hours at your home. I will never forget his smile.
El Donna Harbarth says
Brian & Patty, you have my prayers at this time. 95 years, what a life he lived, and all the changes in this world. Now he can live in a new world, without any pain and problems. My sympathy.
Bob and Nell (Gehrke) Peterson says
Dear Lokensgard Family,
So sad to hear of Ori’s passing but what a great life he and Milly had together. Loved spending time with them in Mazatlan.
We had so many laughs and loved the BEAN FEED they put on with Milly’s Famous Beans. Loved the stories he told as we spent time together.
They were both wonderful people and so proud of all you kids. May he Rest in Peace.
Bob and Nell (Gehrke) Peterson
Sarah Mcgraw says
Michelle,Brad,Brian, and Lisa
So sorry to hear about your dad.. lots of memories ….
Sarah (Ratike) McGraw
Theresa H says
I first met Orion when he lived and cared for his wife Milly at The Oaks, Hutchinson MN. I always admired his patience, kindness he showed to his wife and others. He would share stories of past and present. He was a very proud man and loved to share pictures and fun stories about his growing family. He also shared and displayed his talented woodworking art.
In 2013, I was moving out of state and needed to find a new home for my dog, Tobie.
Who knew Orion would be the savior taking him in giving Tobie the best last years of his life. They became the best companions.
Over the years, I kept in touch with Orion. I will always remember what a friend he was to Tobie and me.
Kathryn Stueber says
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My thoughts are with you and your families.
JEAN NIES says
Dear Brian and Patty,
Wishing you and and all the other family and friends of Orion peace and comfort at this sad time. Cherish the memories and share stories of all the best times.
Jean
Mark Santelman says
Dear Michelle, Brad, Brian, Lisa,
Although we are all saddened by Ori’s passing, it is a joy to know that he will spend eternity in heaven with Millie and his Savior while he waits for each of you and your children and their children.
Funerals become family reunions. May yours be a blessed one as you recall the treasured memories you each have for both your Mom & Dad.
Death is never easy. May God bless you.
Mark Santelman (Class of ’76)
Winthrop, MN