Keith VanOrsdel

Keith Charles VanOrsdel was born on February 11, 1963, in Wadena, Minnesota. His parents are Edna (Pitcher) VanOrsdel and the late Vernon VanOrsdel. Keith was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Wadena. He grew up on a dairy farm where he gained a strong work ethic. During high school Keith was employed at Key’s Oil Company. Keith graduated from Wadena High School with the class of 1981. He continued his education at Wadena Vocational Technical College with a degree in automotive.

On May 29, 1982, Keith was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Sonja Smith at the United Methodist Church in Wadena. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, Evan, Nathan, and Trey.

Together they made their home and raised their family in Wadena. Keith was employed at Rife Chevrolet in Sebeka for two years, and Hubers Motor Company in Wadena. In 1992, he purchased his own shop, Ten Star Auto Clinic, in Wadena that he operated up to his passing.

Keith was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to involve his family, children, and friends. He spent much time at the shack on his childhood farm doing such. He was an active member of the local MDHA chapter and The Knob Hill Sportsmen's club. He took many camping trips with his family. Keith had a passion for mechanics which led him to participate in demolition derbies and enduro races. True to his character, he involved his family and many friends of his boys, sharing space at his shop and his resources.

Keith passed on August 27, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo, North Dakota at 60 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

 Preceding Keith in death is his father: Vernon VanOrsdel; grandparents: Ken and Ruth VanOrsdel; father and mother-in-law: Tom and Margaret Smith.

Keith is survived by his wife, Sonja VanOrsdel of Wadena; children: Evan (fiancé, Sarah Long) VanOrsdel of Park Rapids; Nathan VanOrsdel of Wadena and Trey (Jenny) VanOrsdel of Wadena; 11 grandchildren: Briggs, Vivienne, Stella, Colin, Reeve, Aria, Crea, Acen, Aubry, Harper and Lincoln; Mother, Edna VanOrsdel of Wadena; siblings: Debra Uselman (Dave Bernstetter); Jill (Daniel) Hahn; Kevin (Tammy) VanOrsdel; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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