*Orval Howard Amdahl, 95, of Lanesboro, Minn., died peacefully surrounded by family at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. on Feb. 17, 2015.

Orval was born May 26, 1919, to Alfred and Alphine Sickle Amdahl. He graduated from Lanesboro High School and St. Olaf College. He taught at Lanesboro High School prior to entering World War II as a commissioned 2nd lieutenant until being promoted to captain in the Marine Corps. He served two tours of duty in the Pacific Theater for a total of 31 months. At the end of the first tour, he was stationed in Nagasaki, Japan with the Occupation Force.

After the war, he managed Farmers & Merchants Lumber Yard until he was elected county recorder, where he retired after 40 years. Orval was an active member in Fillmore County and Lanesboro American Legion, Preston V.F.W., Forty & 8, Boy Scouts, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn., Sons of Norway, and March of Dimes. He played first baseman on the Lanesboro baseball team for 10 years, and enjoyed the outdoors, camping, reading, and spending time with family. All his life, Orval worked to promote world peace and that all Americans are proud of their country. Recently, he was honored with the opportunity to return a World War II sword, which he took care of for 68 years, to the son of the original owner of Nagasaki, Japan.

Orval is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marie; children, Ronald Amdahl and wife Diane, James Amdahl and wife Kim, and Karyl Tammel and husband Steve; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister; daughter, Ann O’Loughlin; and great-granddaughter, Liberty Amdahl.