Orvus Benitt, 86, died on Monday, December 29, 2008 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Friday, January 2, 2009 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, MN with Rev. Gary Johnson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Holt Cemetery, Holt, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M. on Thursday, January 1, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

Orvus John Benitt was born on July 1, 1922 to John P. and Anna (Holst) Benitt in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized at St. Johns Church in Thief River Falls, MN. He was confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, MN. He attended Sunnyside School in Holt Township, Marshall County, MN. After his education, he began farming with his dad and brothers.

Orvus was united in marriage to Aileen Corriveau on April 23, 1952 at Nazareth Church in Holt, MN. They made their home in Holt, MN. Orvus worked for Peterson Biddick in Thief River Falls for 15 years. In 1965, he was janitor and bus driver for the Holt School until the school closed. He enjoyed bus driving, and had nicknames for all of his kids on the routes. He drove until retiring in 1985. He farmed for many years, raising herford cattle all of his life until the land went into CRP. After retiring, Orvus went to work for Don Lunke driving the big tractors, which he loved.

Orvus loved farming and working around the home. He also loved to take long drives around the country. Orvus family was the utmost importance to him. His face would light up anytime he got to spend time with them. He was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, active in 4-H, and a member of the Eagles Club in Thief River Falls, MN.

Orvus is survived by his wife of 56 years, Aileen, Holt, MN, 3 children: Bruce (Geri) Benitt, Holt, MN, Val (Tom) Melin, Ada, MN, Kent Benitt, Holt, MN, 5 grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Benitt, Jason (Laura) Melin, Kimberly (Matt) Scholin, Tracy (Chris) Olson, Tara Jo Melin, 8 great grandchildren, Megan, Eryn, Keegan Benitt, Alexander Melin, Mason and, McKenna Scholin, Hannah and Olivia Olson, 1 brother Rueben (Dolores) Benitt, Holt, MN, 1 sister JoAnn Larson, Thief River Falls, MN, sister in law Carol Benitt, Holt, MN, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Orvus was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother Elroy Benitt, 1 sister Elda (Clint) Knutson, grand niece Nicole Knutson, 1 great grandson Grady Benitt.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Cecily McGlynn
SOLOIST: Don Lunke
SELECTIONS: Going Home,
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Precious Lord Take My Hand, How Great Thou Art
CASKETEARERS: Ivan Johnson, Mark Horien, Emery Horien, Ronnie Davidson, Bob Skoglund, John Fosholm
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Marshall County Central School Bus Drivers Past and Present
EULOGY: Grandson Jason Melin
POEM READING: GranddaughterTara Melin