Black Earth
Orval W. Barsness, age 87, of Black Earth, WI, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2002 at Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital.
Orval was born May 3,1915 to Herman & Otelia (Erickson) Barsness. He lived with his eight siblings on the family farm in Vermont Township. In the 30's he, his brother, Marvin, and his sister, Mildred, along with Marvin Huset had a neat little band and many of their generation learned to dance to their music.
Orval and Dolores (Hefty) Barsness were married on January 23, 1936 in Mt. Horeb, WI. Orval made cheese at Halfway Prairie Creamery for 23 1/2 years. After he left the factory, he worked at Babcock Hall at the U.W. for 12 years.
The couple have 3 children: Dale (Katie) Barsness
Alan (Gloria) Barsness
Virginia Roberts
Five Grandchildren: Tim (Diane)
Todd (Becki)
Trent (Kathy) Barsness
Jennifer (Richard) Engbrecht
Brenda Barsness
11 Great Grandchildren: Payton, Caleb, Johnathan, Drew,
Molly, Micah, Joseph, Josiah, Hudson, Elijah, and Emmaline Barsness
He is also survived by Harvey (Gloria), living in Prairie du Sac.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers: Albert, Marvin, and Ralph, and 4 sisters: Gladys Topper, Cora, Ruby Johnson, and Mildred Halverson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 26, 2002 at Vermont Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Vermont Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 6 pm on Sunday, August 25, 2002 at the Ellestad Black Earth Funeral Home, 1337 Mills Street. A special thanks to Heartland Country Village staff and Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital for being such wonderful caretakers to Orval.
We know a smile we love to see,
A voice we love to hear.
We know a hand we love to hold,
A presence we love near.
We know a heart, a loving heart,
That's thoughtful, fine and true,
We know them all, and love them all, for they belong to you.
Darling, Dad, and Grandpa, we love you!