Orville Harstad, 93, of Stanley, North Dakota, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Mountrail County Medical Center in Stanley, North Dakota.

Orville was born on October 2, 1932 in Ryder, North Dakota to Paul and Mabel Harstad. He grew up with a family of 10 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Stanley High School in 1952 and joined the US Army upon graduation. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon return to Stanley, he was employed at the 106 Implement where he sold cars and did mechanic work. Orville married Betty Larson on August 11, 1957. In 1962, they purchased the home farm from Betty’s parents and his farming career began.

He loved raising durum wheat! He also enjoyed raising cattle. He loved farming with his son and grandsons and especially at harvest time – combining gave him joy! He worked with his brother Jerry on numerous oil site construction projects and he was an “expert” heavy equipment operator.

In 1997, Orville and Betty retired and moved into Stanley but he continued to go to the farm to help. Over all the years, he enjoyed traveling with several friends and family members. His greatest joy was time spent with his family, his children, watching his grandchildren grow up, and meeting his great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Knife River Lutheran Church and served on the church council.

Orville is survived by the love of his life, Betty Harstad; children, Renae (Randall) Hansen, Roger (Michelle) Harstad, and Nancy (Kevin) Lattery; grandchildren, Tyler Harstad, Chelsea (Riley Blankenship) Harstad, Trevor (Lacey) Harstad, Jessica (Samuel) Ingemansen, Sarah (Andrew) Milbridge, Madeline Lattery, and Nicholas Lattery; great-grandchildren, Blayze Blankenship, Miller and Boston Ingemansen, and Sutton Milbridge; sister, Beryl Dokken; special friend, Mogens Doessing; and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mabel Harstad; sisters, Olga, Margaret, Lorraine, Carol, Darlene; and brothers, Arthur, Wesley, and Jerald.