Orvis Leroy Lewis, 80, of rural Fertile, MN, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020, after a short illness with his family by his side at Sanford Health, Bemidji, MN.
He was born on November 8, 1939, in Garden Township of rural Fertile to Arthur and Charlotte (Sannes) Lewis. He was baptized and confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, MN. Orvis attended school in Fertile, MN and completed the 11th grade.
Orvis helped his father and uncle Chester Lewis for a time, and inherited his uncle Chester’s land. He raised milk cows from calves and eventually sold the milk cows and raised beef cattle from that time on.
Orvis met Arlene Nesvold in 1986, and together they formed an instant family. Orvis became a father, grandfather, uncle, and brother-in-law. Eventually he became a proud great-grandfather. Everyone loved him dearly. Orvis enjoyed fishing with friends on the river of his family farm growing up. He also enjoyed duck hunting and really loved deer hunting with friends. Orvis enjoyed listening to polka party and country music, with Kathy Erickson and her band being his favorite. He and Arlene attended dances from Bemidji to Grand Forks and all the surrounding areas. Dancing kept them young.
Orvis is survived by Arlene; her two daughters and her son: Connie (Frank) Johnson of Waubun, MN, Cindy (Steve) Luckow of Mahnomen, MN, Scott (Jody) Nesvold of Fosston, MN; his brother, Charles “Chuck” Lewis of Fertile, MN; and his sister, Delores (Kenneth) Dalby of Fertile, MN. Orvis was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Charlotte Lewis.
Funeral: 11:00 AM Friday, February 28, 2020, at Faaberg Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN.
Visitation: Thursday, February 27, 2020, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at the church, and one hour before the funeral on Friday.
Burial: Faaberg Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.
