Orville Frank Kiel Jr, age 93 of Pharr, Texas, passed away on January 21,2021 at his home. He was born the first son of Orville Loy Kiel and Jetta (Drake) Kiel on November 10, 1927 in Deacon Hospital Monroe, WI. He graduated from Blanchardville High School and from Coyne Electrical School in Chicago Il. Orville was united in marriage to Fern Updike on September 5, 1948 in Monticello, WI. They raised their family in Blanchardville and Monroe.

Fern Marie (Updike) Kiel passed away on April 5, 2018 at their home in Mission, Texas after complications from surgery. She was born to Eugene Updike and Velma (Benoy) Updike on May 8, 1931.

They were lifelong members of The Church of Christ attending services in the areas where they were living. Orville was a self-employed electrician for many years. Orville reminisced about younger years working in the evenings running the projector at Watson Theater in Blanchardville. Orville, throughout his life enjoyed camping, flying planes, scuba diving, and radio-controlled planes. Orville held a world boating speed record that stood for 10 plus years. In his later years he worked at Swiss colony in Monroe. Fern enjoyed sewing and many other hobbies. Her biggest joy was gathering her family together.

Orville’s surviving siblings are Dorothy Olbricht of Exeter, NH, Cleone McGinness of Freeport, IL, Ken (Terry) Kiel of Sparta, WI. Fern’s siblings had all passed.

Orville and Fern are survived by their children; Rolland (Joyce) Kiel of Bayfield WI, JoAnn (Mike) Guthrie of Marietta GA, Douglas (Judy) Kiel of Blanchardville WI, Jeff (Patty) Kiel of North Port Fl and Bruce (Kathy) Kiel of Aurora OR, 14 grandchildren, many Great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

They were preceded in Death by their Parents and a son Dwight Kiel.

A family Memorial service will be held by the family later in the summer.