Noel Sheldon Orsen

Noel Sheldon Orsen, age 82, of Minneota, passed away May 19, 2026, at Sanford Canby Hospital. A family-led Memorial Service and visitation will be held Monday, July 13, at First Lutheran Church in Marshall, MN. The funeral is at 2:00 p.m. with light refreshments to follow. Visitation is also at the church before the funeral from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Noel was born on February 15,1944, to Orval Orsen and Ethelyn Kompelien Orsen. Older brother Dennis and younger sister Susan shared family life with Noel on a dairy farm north of Minneota in Yellow Medicine County. Noel was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church. Along with cousins and neighbors, he attended country school District 90 for his early education. His education then continued from 5th through 12th grade at Minneota Public School where he graduated in 1962.

Noel farmed for 10 years and later worked to supplement farm income first at Schwan’s and then at various road construction companies - Highway Surfacing/Worthington Asphalt, which became McLaughlin and Schulz; D&G Road Construction (Sand & Gravel); and finally Northern Con-Agg where he worked for 8 years. Noel also helped land owners and companies with deliveries and field preparations during the busy spring and autumn seasons.

Noel’s enjoyment included membership and riding with the Silver Spur Saddle Club and also driving any kind of machinery. Church life in his community at Hope Lutheran (Minneota) and First Lutheran (Marshall) gave Noel purpose and pride. He taught Sunday School, assisted with confirmation instruction and worked with youth activities. He served on the Hope church council and the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Men in Mission board. He enjoyed the men’s book study provided by First Lutheran. Family gatherings and cousin time was a highlight for Noel. At home he followed the Minneota sport teams via radio and proudly reported to faraway family members all the victories. Old westerns, radio farm news and music filled quiet hours for Noel. Most of all he enjoyed visiting over a cup of coffee, a meal or a beer. Noel was a longtime Minneota resident while most recently he lived at Sylvan Court in Canby. The care he received with the Sanford medical staff, home health and at Sylvan Court was excellent and deeply appreciated.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Ethelyn Orsen. Close living relatives are siblings, Dennis (Linda Theophilus) Orsen and Susan (José) Boatman. Nieces and nephews include Analisa Boatman Barrett (Tom), Jeremy Boatman (Larissa), Edward Boatman (Sofya) and Daniel Orsen (Courtney Sieh). The grandnephews are Maxwell and Teddy Barrett and James and Charles Boatman.

A sincere thank you to those Noel considered a friend. He will be missed.

*If you would like to give a memorial gift and want to designate, suggestions are: SWMN Synod Men in Mission, First Lutheran Church (youth camperships) or Lutheran Social Services.