Orville L. Lee, 93, of Hayfield, MN, formerly of Fertile, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield.
Orville Lawrence Lee was born August 6, 1931, in Crookston to Gilbert and Minnie (Pederson) Lee. He lived at the family farm until the time of his retirement in 1994, after which he and his wife moved to their new home on Cable Lake, rural Mentor. His final years were spent in assisted living communities in Kasson, MN and Hayfield, MN, to be near family.
Orville attended grade school at the Woodland Nook – District 95 school near his home. He attended secondary school at Fertile High School, graduating in 1949. In the winter of 1950, he completed a short course at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. He farmed with his father and Uncle Albert until taking over the farming operation, mainly small grains and corn, in the late 1950’s. The corn was used for silage to support the beef herd. Each year Orville would calf out 50 cows, raise and sell the steers and heifers, and perform most of the veterinary work.
Orville married Edith Bergeson, a freckled, small of stature, hard-working and driven lady from Bear Park Township on the other side of Fertile, on June 8, 1957. Marrying someone from Bear Park was slightly scandalous, but that is what love does.
In the early 1960’s, Orville began growing nursery stock for his father-in-law, Melvin Bergeson, which eventually grew into the Lee Wholesale Nursery. Many of the farm windbreaks across Minnesota are trees that he grew from seed and sold to the county soil and water conservation districts. A unique part of this business was the fact that he could not simply buy tree seeds from a seed company – he had to collect seed from mature trees. He, along with his children and employees, were found all over the state raking up maple seeds, gathering acorns and walnuts, picking ash seeds, and collecting berries.
Another new venture for Orville was his side business, Lee Hydra-Mac Sales and Service – one of the first dealerships for the Hydra-Mac skid steers made in Thief River Falls. It was a great decision as it complemented and supported the nursery business. It also gave him an opportunity to do what he liked best – close a sale. He treasured the many friendships that were developed with customers and vendors during his working years, as evidenced by countless evening hours spent on the phone talking to friends, business acquaintances, and family.
Orville retired in 1994 when his son Gary took over the business but continued to assist and enjoy field work during his retirement.
Orville was an active member of the Gideons; served on the Pioneer Nursing Home board; and spent 15 years on the Fertile-Beltrami School Board. He served on the Lake Agassiz Education Cooperative board during its early years and was an active member of the MN Farm Bureau and the Fertile Lions Club. He also served in various officer positions for the Hitterdal and Maple Bay Lutheran churches. In 1995, Orville and Ede were named the Valley Farmer and Homemaker in East Polk County. Orville also received the Distinguished Service Award from the North Dakota Nursery and Greenhouse Association in 2010. A proud card-carrying Republican, he loved to discuss the shortcomings of the other party.
Orville loved to hunt, fish, golf, and pursue the many hidden treasures at garage and estate sales – much to the dismay of his beloved. He always loved the good deal, especially when he didn’t know what exactly he had purchased. As an outdoorsman, he was forever stalking the elusive trophy, be it a northern pike, a white-tailed deer or an elk. An avid storyteller, he melted when the grandchildren arrived. Visits with his kids, grandkids and greats were indeed his delight, but the quiet when they left was hard.
Late in his retirement he loved to cut wood for their fireplace so he could watch the embers burn as one of his many John Wayne movies played in the background.
Orville is survived by his children, Gary (Connie) Lee, Linda (Steve) Lamm, Tom (Sheryl) Lee, and Ryan (Heidi) Lee, twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his
parents, his wife Edith, brothers Arnold Lee and Gilbert Lee Jr., and sisters Bernice Bakken, Thorine Johnson, and Gladys Swengel.
We are blessed to have a father that loved us, and the Lord as Orville did.
Memorials will be distributed to The Gideons International.
Funeral Service: 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.
Interment: Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile, MN.
