Kevin H. Ortenblad

Kevin Harlowe Ortenblad, age 69, ran into the loving arms of Jesus on October 17, 2025.
There will be an Open House to Celebrate his Life on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 am – 12:00pm, at Assembly of God in Willmar. In honor of Kevin there will be popcorn, cookies and coffee served. For those who knew Kevin, you know that he loved and wore a variety of camo apparel- often at the same time. In his honor, we would love for you to wear you best/worst camo. Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org
Memorials and cards may be sent to PO Box 142, New London, MN 56273.
Kevin was born January 26, 1956, to Harlowe and Jean (Anderson) Ortenblad in Willmar. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1974 and, that same year, on June 21st, married the love of his life, Julie Zimmer. Together, they built a family and farmed east of Raymond, for 33 years, where they raised five amazing children.
On March 3, 2000, Kevin's life was transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ during a men's retreat event. From that moment forward, he never stopped chasing after the heart of God. His life became a living testimony of encouragement and joy, always lifting others up and pointing them toward Jesus.
In 2008, Kevin and Julie sold their farm and followed God's call to Buena Vista, Colorado, where they established Sanctuary, a ministry retreat center for rest and renewal. In 2016, they returned to the Willmar area, continuing to pour into lives of their family and friends.
Kevin had a passion for life and a remarkable gift for encouraging everyone he met. Kevin loved the Lord deeply and loved his family fiercely.
Kevin's legacy continues through his beloved wife of 51 years, Julie Ortenblad of New London; and through his children: Kara Elliott of Somerset, WI; Kressa and Marcel Bieg of Eugene, OR; Mandy and Aaron Larson of Wayzata; Melody and Brian Dengler of Woodstock; and Erick and Jeanna Ortenblad of New London. His joy lives on in his eleven wonderful grandchildren: Kevin, Riley, Afton, Elsa, Thea, Addiline, Jocelyn, Lilia, Tillie, Nels, Jonathan, each of whom he adored and loved.
Kevin's life was anchored in the truth of Romans 8:38-39:
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Nothing-absolutely nothing-could separate Kevin, or any of us, from that perfect love.
Today, Kevin rests in the arms of the Savior he so faithfully pursued, fully alive and free. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his smile, laughter and love.
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