Orville Melvin Anderson, 90, Minot, died on Saturday, December 06, 2008, at a Minot Hospital.

Orville was born on December 30, 1917, at Landa, ND to Ole and Mathia (Mikkelson) Soland. He was reared and educated, through the 9th grade, in Landa. His parents died in his early childhood years so he was reared by Andrew and Gina Anderson who later adopted him. Following his education, he assisted on the Anderson family farmstead for several years before marrying Anne Baalerud on June 11, 1941, in Plaza, ND.

Following their marriage, they lived in Landa for two years, Glendive, MT for three years, and Minot, ND for a short time. They moved to Westhope, ND in 1946 and they began the operation of Westhope Dry Cleaners which they operated until selling the business in 1949. He then began employment as a salesperson for Westhope Implement, and later Smith Inc., Fargo, ND, selling school bus bodies and truck equipment. In 1959, he was named the #1 salesperson in the world for the company. They moved to Minot in 1959, and he began employment as a salesperson for Frontier Midwest selling truck and bus equipment until his retirement in 1979.

Orville was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot, for nearly 50 years, where he also sang in the choir and served on the church council. He was a member of the Minot Curling Club and was very active in the curling club, earning the title of State Men's Champ in 1980. He was a member of Golden K Kiwanis Club and the Elk's. His hobbies included curling, woodworking, singing.

Orville's family include his wife Anne; Children: David (Susan) Anderson of Bismarck, ND; Carol Anderson, Las Vegas, NV; Grandchildren: Aaron (Michelle) Anderson and Jay Anderson; Great-Grandchildren: Alexia and Breanna Anderson.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents; adopted parents; brothers: Henry, Marvin, Rudolph, Lawrence, Elmer, Conrad, William, Julian and adopted sister: Bernyce Siercks.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Minot Bethany Lutheran Church;
Interment: Landa Cemetery;
Visitation: Monday from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Bethany Lutheran Church or Metigoshe Ministries