Orlo Syrtveit

Minot

Orlo Syrtveit, 89, Minot, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023, in a Minot assisted living center.

Orlo Alden Syrtveit was born March 12, 1934, a twin son of Alfred and Gunda (Watne) Syrtveit in Fosston, MN. He was raised on the family farm near Oklee, MN. He attended country school through 6th grade and then went to town school through 8th grade. Orlo worked on the farm with his dad and spent time working with his aunts and uncles near Gully, MN.

At the age of sixteen Orlo went to Montana and worked for farmers and ranchers in the Flaxville and Scobey area. In 1952 Orlo was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. In 1954, he was honorably discharged. Orlo had Montana in his soul and returned to Scobey after his service, where his career with Nemont Telephone Company began. He lived in Westby for most his years with Nemont and retired in 1997 following 30 years of dedicated service. Although Orlo loved MT, he always had a sense of peace when he went “home” to visit family in MN.

Orlo was well known in NE Montana and NW North Dakota from his work at the phone company. He was the community handy man. He fixed wiring and plumbing, he mowed ditches and moved snow. He was always there to help when his phone rang. And whenever there was a need for odd part or something out of the ordinary Orlo was always their first call!

Following his retirement, Orlo moved to a small hobby farm south of Surrey. In true Orlo fashion, he became well acquainted with everyone in the countryside. He always enjoyed coffee time at Barry’s, worked for a few area farmers & spent time with his grandson, Hunter, attending many of Hunter’s sporting events. He planted a beautiful grove of evergreen trees and raised a few cattle each summer for several years. He also donated many hours to the Surrey Senior Center.

He volunteered at the Westby Fire Department and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westby then became a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Surrey.

Orlo was the best father and grandfather. He taught us so much and was generous beyond belief. He has left us with his knowledge of how to live good and memories we will cherish forever. He was a great friend and neighbor to many.

He is survived by daughters Karla (Dale) Henson, Minot, Carmen (Francis) Andres, San Diego, CA, step-daughter Kari (Jack) Martin, Minot, step-son Jim (Teresa) Hoff, Williston, sister Lois Tryan, Scobey, MT, sister-in-law Loretta Syrtveit, Oklee, MN, grandchildren Hunter Bakke (Kaitlyn Bruns), Minot, Jennifer Hanson, San Diego, CA, Nichole (Bruce) Anaya, San Diego, CA, Samantha (Anthony) Vargas, Minot, Shelby Lundy (Joshua Livingood), Minot, 11 great grandchildren. He also had a very special place in his heart for his twin nieces Lana and Lisa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Oren Syrtveit, step-son Butch Hoff, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal as cremation has taken place, however, friends may sign a guest register on Friday, April 28, 2023, one hour prior to the service at Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey.

Memorial Service: Friday, April 28, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey, ND.

Burial: A private family committal service will take place at a later date.

Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Published by the Minot Daily News, April 27, 2023.