Orlin C. Fremstad

Orlin C. Fremstad, age 68, of Osseo, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024,
surrounded by family, after a hard-fought battle with ocular melanoma. He was born on May 12,
1956, in Eau Claire, the son of Oliver and Alice (Riphenburg) Fremstad, the eldest boy and
second of six children. He was raised in Osseo on the family farm where he learned the value of
hard work.

In his youth, he was involved in 4H showing dairy cows. He excelled in football during his high
school years and loved racing snowmobiles and cars. He loved anything with engines- the
faster the better! He enjoyed his auto mechanics classes in HS and he graduated from Osseo-
Fairchild High School in 1974.

He met his soon-to-be-wife at his friend’s wedding, and was united in marriage to Eileen A.
Olson on November 26, 1977. This was one of the luckiest days of his life. The union was
blessed with two children; Mitchell and Melissa.

Orlin farmed all his life; it was in his blood. He grew up on his family’s farm and purchased his
own farm after graduation in 1975. Orlin took possession of the farm with only three animals to
his name, his 4-H calf that had grown to have two offspring and $5,000. He poured countless
hours and hard work into the farm to get it where it is today. He was a dedicated farmer and
took pride in his herds. In addition to being a successful farmer, he also had his own fuel-hauling
business allowing them to ride the wave of inconsistent milk prices in the early 2000’s. After 47
years of milking, Orlin and Eileen sold the dairy herd and transitioned to beef.

Throughout the years Orlin enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, snowmobiling, jet skiing, playing
cards, watching Nascar races, and being out on the lake. You would find him most at peace in a
tractor tending to the fields or in a boat fishing. He had a soft spot for animals and there was
always a loyal dog by his side. He had a fun sense of humor, loved a good dad joke and always
had a fun story to share. He loved surprising his family with vacations and helping to plan class
reunions throughout the years. Most recently, you could find him playing cards with close friends
around town and around the kitchen table with his family.

He was in his element when surrounded by his grandchildren. Each one shared a special bond
with their “Bumpa”. Orlin was always up for making his grandkids smile through playing,
wrestling, building, and fixing. He loved hearing the squeals from the grandkids when he picked
the old maid card from someone’s hand. He was patient and kind with them and always
answered their many questions. He especially loved teaching the grandchildren to fish, and
teaching them about farming and equipment.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of almost 47 years, Eileen; children: Mitchell (Amanda)
Fremstad, Melissa (Patrick) Ryberg; six grandchildren: Henry, Asher, Benjamin, Lydia, Mara,
Eleanor; mother-in-law: Mavis Olson; siblings, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews,

godchildren, and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Oliver and Alice
(Ida), Orlin was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Lyle Olson.

Visitation will be held at the Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 7 from
10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. Committal ceremony and interment will follow
immediately after at the Osseo Cemetery, and all are invited back to the church afterward to
share a meal with the family. Pastor Dave Hoadley will be officiating. 

Orlin’s children have deep admiration and appreciation for their mother, Eileen, who lovingly and
patiently cared for their father during his cancer battle. She is an unsung hero that deserves to
be thanked and recognized.