Orlin Eugene Bruss

Orlin Bruss, age 71, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Thursday, March 4, 2021, peacefully at his home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. A walk-through visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall. A prayer service is scheduled for 6: 30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, again at the church. Occupancy limits and social distancing must be observed throughout all services. Masks are required at all public indoor gatherings.

Orlin Eugene Bruss was born in Wood Lake, Minnesota, to Raymond and Alvina (Behr) Bruss on May 25, 1949. He grew up in Wood Lake and was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Orlin attended school in Wood Lake, graduating with the class of 1967. After high school, Orlin and his brother were drafted into the Army and served during the Vietnam War.

Upon returning home, he attended technical school in Rochester, graduating with his Associates Degree in Accounting. On one of his trips home to visit family, Orlin met the love of his life, Susan Werpy, and they were united in marriage on November 20, 1971, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Marshall. To this union, two children were born: Tabitha and Nathan. The family made their home in Marshall where Orlin worked as a Deputy Assessor for the County until 1983. He then started his own business: Orlin Bruss Appraisal Service, Inc. Eventually, his son Nathan would join the company. After Orlin knew the company was in good hands, he decided to retire at the end of 2017.

Orlin was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran church for several years and was now a member of Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall. He was active with the Chamber of Commerce and the Cottonwood Sportsman Club. When Orlin was not working or volunteering, he enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Donalds Lake near Ottertail, Minnesota. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life and he enjoyed watching them succeed in sports, or whatever they decided to pursue. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting pheasants and ducks, bowling, trips to Prairie Edge Casino, and playing Cribbage. Orlin was a conversationalist, he always left with a smile, and put others needs ahead of his own.

Orlin Bruss died peacefully on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at his home in Marshall, Minnesota, at the age of 71 years, 9 months, and 7 days. Blessed be his memory.

Orlin is survived by his children, Tabitha (Mike) Melvin of St. Peter, Nathan (Melissa) Bruss of Marshall; grandchildren, Reese Melvin, Jocelyn Melvin, Andon Bruss, Ethan Bruss, Callin Bruss; siblings, Julie (Mark) Nelson of Minnetonka, Marilyn West of Eau Claire, WI, Beverly Conlin of Seattle, WA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; parents, Raymond and Alvina Bruss; and siblings, Delray Bruss, and LaVonne Lick.