In Memory Of
Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Jr.
1947
2023
Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Jr.
November 4, 1947 — January 30, 2023
Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Jr., 75, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away surrounded by his family on January 30, 2023.
He was born on November 4, 1947, the son of Orvin and Mary (Charchenko) Grondahl, Sr. in Crookston, MN. He graduated from Crookston High School in 1965. After graduation, Orvin joined the United States Air Force. During active duty, he was stationed in Topeka and met the love of his life, Debra Lynn Dodson. They were married on August 3, 1968. Shortly after their marriage, he was sent to Vietnam to defend his country.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he and Debbie welcomed two children, Jennifer and Brian. They settled in Topeka. Orvin attended Washburn University. Orvin majored in Studio Art and minored in psychology. He began working for the United States Postal Service as a clerk. He dedicated 42 years to the postal service before retirement and was a proud APWU Union Members.
Orvin was a long time, faithful member to First Lutheran Church of Topeka. He became a member in 1970's and enjoyed helping with many activities with the church.
He was a family man and loved nothing more than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Orvin had a passion for drawing cartoons and was known as the "Phantom" at the post office. He would create funny cartoons about other coworkers and leave them around for all to enjoy. He owned over 400 cars in his life and enjoyed restoring and customizing each one. He was a part of the Kansas Street Rod Association (KSRA) for many years. In his spare time, you could find Orvin reading a good book, mostly science fiction, or listening to music. He was a big fan of the Beatles.
Orvin is survived by his wife, Debra "Debbie" Grondahl; his children, Jennifer Grondahl and Brian (Angie) Grondahl; grandchildren, Isaac, Landon and Mason Grondahl; one sister, Kathleen Matheny. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Mary Grondahl and brother, Jack Grondahl.
His family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Penwell Gable Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will follow the service at Mount Hope Cemetery. In his memory, contributions may be made to the choice of the donor.
Orvin's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.
To leave a message for the family, please click on the "Share Memories" button above.
He was born on November 4, 1947, the son of Orvin and Mary (Charchenko) Grondahl, Sr. in Crookston, MN. He graduated from Crookston High School in 1965. After graduation, Orvin joined the United States Air Force. During active duty, he was stationed in Topeka and met the love of his life, Debra Lynn Dodson. They were married on August 3, 1968. Shortly after their marriage, he was sent to Vietnam to defend his country.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he and Debbie welcomed two children, Jennifer and Brian. They settled in Topeka. Orvin attended Washburn University. Orvin majored in Studio Art and minored in psychology. He began working for the United States Postal Service as a clerk. He dedicated 42 years to the postal service before retirement and was a proud APWU Union Members.
Orvin was a long time, faithful member to First Lutheran Church of Topeka. He became a member in 1970's and enjoyed helping with many activities with the church.
He was a family man and loved nothing more than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Orvin had a passion for drawing cartoons and was known as the "Phantom" at the post office. He would create funny cartoons about other coworkers and leave them around for all to enjoy. He owned over 400 cars in his life and enjoyed restoring and customizing each one. He was a part of the Kansas Street Rod Association (KSRA) for many years. In his spare time, you could find Orvin reading a good book, mostly science fiction, or listening to music. He was a big fan of the Beatles.
Orvin is survived by his wife, Debra "Debbie" Grondahl; his children, Jennifer Grondahl and Brian (Angie) Grondahl; grandchildren, Isaac, Landon and Mason Grondahl; one sister, Kathleen Matheny. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Mary Grondahl and brother, Jack Grondahl.
His family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Penwell Gable Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will follow the service at Mount Hope Cemetery. In his memory, contributions may be made to the choice of the donor.
Orvin's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.
To leave a message for the family, please click on the "Share Memories" button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, February 24, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Memorial Service
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
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