Earl Komis

Mundwiler Larson Funeral Home of Ortonville announces the death of Earl Komis, 93, of Ortonville. Services will be held on Thursday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 11, from 5 – 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the Mundwiler Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Earl Clarence Komis was born on January 2, 1919 at home in Lac Qui Parle County to Gus and Helen (Hillman) Komis. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Nassau, MN. In 1935, at age 16, Earl headed to Glencoe in search of work for room and board and worked for a farmer there for two years before returning home. He then moved to the state of Washington to work in the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. In 1940, Earl returned to Minnesota and met Eleanor Raaf, whom he married on January 26, 1941 in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN.

Earl farmed from 1941 to 1956, at which time he moved his family to Ortonville. There he worked for the Big Stone Canning Factory, the Farmer's Union, and the City of Ortonville. He also served as an auxiliary policeman for the city.

In 1976, Earl and Eleanor moved to Minneapolis where they worked as managers and caretakers for various apartment complexes for 20 years before retiring and moving back to Ortonville, where Earl then worked for Mound Cemetery and the Big Stone County Museum.

Earl was involved in the Senior Citizen's Club and the Senior Federation. He attended Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was an active member, holding different offices as well as serving on many boards.

Earl enjoyed golfing, rug making, playing cards and pool, his plants, and especially good conversations while sharing morning coffee with his many friends!

Earl passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at the Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis, having reached the age of 93.

Earl is survived by his three children: Ron (Linda) Komis of Eden Prairie, MN; Gloria (Dennis) Tolzien of Spring Lake Park, MN; and Betty (Allan) Walter of Lino Lakes, MN; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one sister in law, Beverly Komis of Nassau, MN; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Lolly Walker; and numerous friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Helen Komis; his wife, Eleanor; two brothers; two sisters; his nephew, Ed Raaf; and two grandchildren.