Orville "Gus" Robert Goskeson

Orville “Gus” Robert Goskeson, age 91, was called home by the Lord on Saturday, March 28, 2026 and is now at peace. He was surrounded by his children at Milestone Senior Living in Faribault, MN at the time of his passing.

Orville was born on October 28, 1934 in Albert Lea, MN to Goske and Selma (Legried) Goskeson. After graduating from high school, Orville enlisted in the United States Army. He went to Fort Knox in Kentucky, where he met his first wife, Emma “Jean” Board. The two were married in Brandenburg, KY on June 1, 1957. He picked up the nickname “Gus” in the service while in Kentucky. That’s the name Jean and all his in-laws used.

Gus and Jean moved to Albert Lea, where they welcomed four children, Debbie, Karla, Brent and Kris. They were raised in a loving, caring and God-fearing home. On August 15, 1970, at just 34 years of age, Jean tragically passed away in a hayride accident. Gus worked endlessly to care for his family in the wake of their loss, and with the help of his family, friends, and church community, that grief gradually became manageable. He later met Irene Verlaine Olson, a nurse with the Blood Mobile where he went to give blood. The two were married on January 18, 1974 at Long Lake Lutheran Church, St. James, MN. They enjoyed 44 happy years of marriage before Irene passed away in 2018 from cancer.

Orville was a hard worker, working in asbestos remediation at Asbesterol, as well as having a long career in meat production at Wilson’s and Farmstead. He was an active member at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, serving in the choir, men’s bible studies, as a Sunday School teacher, and on the church council. He was an avid, active blood drive participant, donating over 9 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He was very involved in his community through the Christian Business Men’s Connection, and he was a supporter of Lutheran Village, as well as many other non-profit organizations and ministries. He also volunteered with hospice and delivered meals on wheels.

Orville was very athletic and enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, where he was one of the pitchers. He played volleyball and golf. He went snow skiing, water skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating, too. He was very musical and played the guitar and sang almost every night in the kitchen. “Daddy Sang Bass,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Country Roads” were some of his favorites.

Both Orville and Irene had a love of music, playing in the “Bluegrass Family Band”. They also did solo gigs on their own for over 20 years. Playing music for others was their ministry. Orville wanted everyone to come to know the Lord as their Savior. It was his mission.

Left to cherish Orville’s memory are his children Debbie Sax, Karla (Thomas) Klingenberg, Brent (Julie) Goskeson, and Kris (Jim) Amarosa; grandchildren Daniel (Sydney) Klingenberg, Krista Klingenberg, Alyssa Goskeson, John Amarosa, and Sean Sax; one great-grandchild on the way; sister-in-law Deloris (George) Goskeson; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Orville is preceded in death by his first wife Emma “Jean” (Board) Goskeson, and his second wife Irene (Olson) Goskeson; parents Goske and Selma (Legried) Goskeson; son-in-law Tom Sax; grandsons Jimmy Amarosa and Chad Sax; and siblings James (Nora) Goskeson, Thomas (Bette) Goskeson, George Goskeson and Evelyn (Ronald) Carlson.

The family of Orville would like to send a special thank you to Minnesota Hospice, especially Chad Fleming, for the excellent care of their father; Freeborn and Rice County Veteran’s Services for their assistance and services, especially Sarah Peters for her excellent care and devotion while Orville was at Milestone; and Jennifer Harkner for her incredible home health care. Thank you also to Milestone Senior Living, especially the aides that truly touched Orville’s heart while he was in their care.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, from 4 to 6 PM at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service, 2210 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Orville’s honor on Friday, April 10, beginning at 11 AM at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, 74427 245th St, Albert Lea, MN 56007, led by Pastor Matthew Griggs.

Donations can be made in Orville’s memory to Central Freeborn Lutheran Church at 74427 245th St, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Blessed be the memory of Orville “Gus” Goskeson. We will all be together again.

The livestream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service.

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