Orville Ambrose Kuchinka

Orville Ambrose Kuchinka, 84, of Montgomery went to be with his heavenly Father on June 15, 2017 with family by his side at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Father Victor Valencia officiating with visitation from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale.

He was born on December 30, 1932 to Ambrose and Lillian Kuchinka. Orville attended school in Montgomery Township. Classes were held in a single room school, which is still standing in view of his home. Orville left his family's dairy farm to join the Army and served four years during the Korean conflict.

Orville was united in marriage to Grace Ann (Malecha) Kuchinka on October 11, 1952. They were married 64 years and were blessed with six children.

After leaving the Army, Orville delivered livestock to South Saint Paul cattle yards. He later was employed by Clover Leaf Milk as a delivery driver. Orville took over the family farm after his father was involved in a disabling auto accident. Orville loved the farm and seeing his boys share in the daily chores. His passion was working the land, milking cows, and raising hogs, chickens and steer. Bailing hay and chopping corn was always a family event and was celebrated with a good cup of coffee and a fresh homemade kolacky. During his farming years, Orville sold O'sGold Corn. He was later employed by Minnesota Valley Breeders and Chart Industries before his retirement in 1997.

Orville was a 14 year esophageal cancer survivor. He became active with the Cancer Relay and was recognized for his successful journey at the 20th annual St. Francis Foundation Gala. Orville was able to thank the staff for saving his life and share with them he was cancer free. He was an honor guard with the Knights of Columbus, an active member of the VFW, American Legion, and Pioneer Power, and volunteered time at the local food shelf. Orville served on the Montgomery Lonsdale District School Board for 27 years where he was able to hand graduation diplomas to all six of his children.

Orville enjoyed tending his garden, fishing, hunting, square dancing, playing euchre and poker. His biggest joy was spending time with his family and playing with his grandchildren. With a larger than life personality, Orville made friends wherever he went and will forever be remembered by his family for his sense of humor, strong faith, and heart of gold.

Orville is survived by his wife, Grace; six children, Bruce (Lynn) Kuchinka, Lynn (Dave) Wondra, John (Julie) Kuchinka, Tim (Nancy) Kuchinka, Mark (Lynette Fredrickson) Kuchinka, Danny Kuchinka; sister, Carrol (Ned) Delk; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, with another great grandchild due later this year.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Audrey (Glen) Wondra.

Arrangements are with the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. 507-357-6116. www.schoenbauerfuneralhome.com.