Orval Jay Zellmer

Orval Jay Zellmer, 88, of Hastings, Minnesota died on May 1, 2025. Orval was born on April 3, 1937, to August and Nellie (Phillips) Zellmer in Walnut Grove, Minnesota.

After spending his teenage years farming with family members, he started working at Schuneman’s Department Store in Saint Paul, where he met the love of his life. On February 11, 1956, he married Elaine (Nellessen) in Saint Paul. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Together they settled into married life on the east side of Saint Paul where they welcomed their first two children Valerie (1957) and Orval (1958). They moved to Hastings in 1969 where they welcomed their third child, Amy (1974).

Orval owned and operated Hastings Wheel Alignment, where the current day M&H is located, from 1968-1990. There were many stories told around the coffee pot when local mechanics and friends would stop in throughout the day. After selling his shop, Orval began Shade Today Tree Service, before eventually working for Southview Design, Fair Office World, and Walmart.

Orval enjoyed 30 wonderful years at their cabin in Pequot Lakes, located on Grass Lake and across from the Whitefish Chain. They would spend most summer weekends at the cabin and had lasting friendships with their neighbors.

He enjoyed attending NASCAR races, bowling, fishing, restoring old tractors in his garage, collecting NASCAR memorabilia, and watching reruns of The Rockford Files. The family took many trips across the country exploring National Parks and roadside attractions. Orval and Elaine rounded out all 50 states in their retirement, visiting Alaska for their 50th Anniversary.

Orval was preceded in death by his parents, August and Nellie; and his siblings, Harold, Dorothy Andres, Hazel Rubson, Donna Tanghe, Warren, Dale, Roger, and Robert.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; and his children, Valerie (Amy DeLong), Orval, and Amy; and his grandchildren, Jessica Wolf and Travis Wolf.

A Celebration of Orval’s Life will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel (3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN 55033). Visitation will also be on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.