Morlyn Ornquist

Morlyn Ornquist, of Middle River, MN, passed away on August 18, 2021 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, at the age of 87.

A Memorial Service in honor of Morlyn will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with Pastor David Jahn officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service on Friday at the funeral home.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Klondike Cemetery, rural Strathcona, MN, with Rev. Mary Lundquist officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Middle River Legion Post #444 and the Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Morlyn Earl Ornquist was born at home on January 11, 1934 in Huntly Township, Marshall County, MN, the son of Emil and Pearl (Bjerk) Ornquist. He was baptized and confirmed to the Lutheran faith. Morlyn attended school in Middle River, graduating from Middle River High School.

Shortly after graduation, Morlyn joined the National Guard and later enlisted with the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge Morlyn came home to Middle River where he purchased and worked on the family farm.

Throughout the years Morlyn also worked in road construction, truck driving, building missile sites across the Dakotas, dairy farming, and bus driving.

In 1973 Morlyn was united in marriage to Debbie Lien. Together they made their home on the family farm in Middle River where they also raised their daughter Jennifer. He was baptized into the Seventhday Adventist faith and was a member of the church in Thief River Falls, MN.

Morlyn enjoyed restoring, collecting, and working on John Deere tractors and other machinery; his John Deere owner’s cap was one of his prized possessions. Over the years Morlyn raised, trained, and rode horses.

He enjoyed reading about farming, fixing tractors, and history. He enjoyed life-long learning and experienced the joy of fried ice cream just this summer. Morlyn liked to spend time visiting with family and friends.

Morlyn was a member of the Hans Lian American Legion Post in Middle River, MN.

Morlyn is survived by his wife, Debbie of Middle River, MN; daughter Jennifer (Chad) Erickson of Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren Justice, Glen, and Michael; siblings Eldor “Speed” (Bonnie) Ornquist of Thief River Falls, MN and Carol Taylor (Bob Borkowski) of Grand Forks, ND; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Emil and Pearl Ornquist, brother Dean, sister Avis Wollin and her husband George, and brother-in-law, Edward Lien.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com