In Memory Of
Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Sr.
1921
2023
Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Sr.
November 1, 1921 — February 2, 2023
Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Sr., 101, of Topeka, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 2, 2023
.
He was born November 1, 1921, in Crockston, Minnesota, the son of Oscar and Nora (Soleim) Grondahl. He graduated from Crookston High School.
When Orvin was 17, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps. He dutifully served in World War II. After being honorable discharged, Orvin kept his uniform and later donated it to the Kansas History Museum to have displayed.
Orvin married Mary Charchenko on October 31, 1946 in Crookston, MN. To their union in marriage, they welcomed three children, Orvin Jr., Jack and Kathleen.
He worked for the Unites States Postal service as a clerk for 33 years. Orvin was a proud APWU Union Member. His son, Orvin, Jr. followed in his footsteps and was also a clerk with the USPS.
Orvin was known to many as a selfless man that would help anyone. He passed this trait on to his children that would set an example for how they would live their lives. In his spare time, Orvin enjoyed gardening, bird watching and drew cartoons. He learned to play the harmonica at the young age of four and enjoyed playing a tune when people would come to his home. Orvin created handmade wooden airplane models and donated many to the Combat Air Museum in Topeka.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (Bobby) Matheny; daughter in law, Debbie Grondahl; two grandchildren, Brian (Angie) Grondahl and Jennifer Grondahl and three great grandchildren, Isaac, Landon and Mason Grondahl. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Grondahl in 2001; his two sons, Orvin Jr. and Jack Grondahl; his parents and brothers, George Grondahl and Ralph 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. 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 online, please visit the guestbook below.
.
He was born November 1, 1921, in Crockston, Minnesota, the son of Oscar and Nora (Soleim) Grondahl. He graduated from Crookston High School.
When Orvin was 17, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps. He dutifully served in World War II. After being honorable discharged, Orvin kept his uniform and later donated it to the Kansas History Museum to have displayed.
Orvin married Mary Charchenko on October 31, 1946 in Crookston, MN. To their union in marriage, they welcomed three children, Orvin Jr., Jack and Kathleen.
He worked for the Unites States Postal service as a clerk for 33 years. Orvin was a proud APWU Union Member. His son, Orvin, Jr. followed in his footsteps and was also a clerk with the USPS.
Orvin was known to many as a selfless man that would help anyone. He passed this trait on to his children that would set an example for how they would live their lives. In his spare time, Orvin enjoyed gardening, bird watching and drew cartoons. He learned to play the harmonica at the young age of four and enjoyed playing a tune when people would come to his home. Orvin created handmade wooden airplane models and donated many to the Combat Air Museum in Topeka.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (Bobby) Matheny; daughter in law, Debbie Grondahl; two grandchildren, Brian (Angie) Grondahl and Jennifer Grondahl and three great grandchildren, Isaac, Landon and Mason Grondahl. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Grondahl in 2001; his two sons, Orvin Jr. and Jack Grondahl; his parents and brothers, George Grondahl and Ralph 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. 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 online, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Orvin Nordean Grondahl, Sr., 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
Service
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 1
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