Orlin Gordon Lesetmoe

Orlin Gordon Lesetmoe

July 18, 1933 – October 22, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Orlin G. Lesetmoe. Resident of Grey Eagle, Mn, and recently of Lakeville, Mn, at 92 years of age. He is preceded in death by Imogene (Jeannie) Lesetmoe; stepson, Marc Williams; parents, Emma and Oscar; siblings, Evelyn, Elmer, Clarissa and Marvin; granddaughter, Nicole Fyksen, and nephew, Scott Willoughby.

Orlin was born on a very hot summer day on July 18, 1933, on the family farm in Erskine, MN. He decided to venture to the Twin Cities to look for a job at 17 years old. He took on various odd jobs, looking for something that he liked and joined the U.S. Air Force at 19 yrs old. Staff Sergeant
Lesetmoe's specialty was aircraft prop repairman and saw the world while stationed in Florida. He received the National Defense Service Medal and worked as an electrician and sheet metal worker following his service. Orlin married Imogene Williams in 1961. They had a daughter, Aprile Joy, and he became stepfather to Jeannie's children; Annetta, Maxine, Phillip, and Marc. He decided to go to Alaska and work for the Air Force on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) System. He was immensely proud of his work there and kept the heating and refrigeration running for all those working on the Alaska Pipeline Project. Stationed in Prudhoe Bay, he would travel from base to base in the Arctic Circle, where ever he was needed. He worked for the DEW Line for 14 years. He loved to photograph the animals and the beauty of the Arctic. Everyone loved to hear his stories of his face-to-face polar bear encounters out on the tundra.

Orlin became a jack of all trades and a master of all of them. He enjoyed helping and teaching friends and family with big projects and small. There was nothing the man could not fix or build. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. If you knew him, you probably have a story to share. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, renovating his lake home in Grey Eagle, Mn., and refurbishing his 1974 Chevy Nova and 1990 Chevy 4 X 4 (3 transmissions and 500,000+ miles…still going), while he was able. Orlin's greatest joy was his family. A selfless man, loving, always kind, energetic, happy when working on his current project or tinkering with his tools in the garage. Everyday enjoying a pot of black coffee!

Survived by his daughter, Aprile (Dave) Barton; Stepchildren: Phillip (Sheryl) Mandigo; Maxine (Ron) Wrase; Annetta (Jim) Fyksen; 15 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; sisters: Harriette Sirjord; Cheri Lerfald; Judi Hoeft; and many nieces and nephews who loved him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044. Visitation from 10-11 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11-12 p.m., luncheon from 12-1:15 p.m. Internment at 2 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military honors. White Funeral Home 952-469-2723.