Orlando Echola

June 23, 1928 - June 23, 2009

CRYSTAL FALLS - Orlando R. Echola, 81, of 605 Bortolini Road, Crystal Falls, died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, Wis. He was born June 22, 1928, in Crystal Falls, son of the late Arnold and Mary Louise (Latterman) Echola. Orlando was a U.S. Navy veteran and obtained his pilot's license while in the service. He married Glenda Beck in 1976 in Crystal Falls. Orlando worked for several mining companies before taking a position as a heavy equipment mechanic at Groveland Mine where he was employed for over 30 years. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2891, and an active member of the American Legion Post 87 and the senior citizens center. Orlando loved flying and owned a J-3 Piper Cub airplane. He was the assistant manager of the Iron County Airport in Crystal Falls for many years. Orlando enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cribbage and socializing with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Glenda; a son, Donald (Suzanna) Echola of Crystal Falls; a daughter, Jean (Joel) Rhyner of Wausau, Wis.; a brother, Lyman Echola of Marshfield, Wis.; a sister, Lois Spankowski of Hartland, Wis.; three grandchildren, Betsy and Debi Rhyner and Roger Carne; and several nieces and nephews. Orlando was preceded in death by a son, David A. Echola in 1959 and two brothers, Arnold and Roderick Echola. The visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon at the funeral home. Jack Koivisto will conduct the services. The Eastside Veterans Council will do a pass and review and accord military honors following the service. Honorary pallbearers will be John Plowe, Don Diller, Bernie Kosiba, Alton Beck, Chris Sholander and Richard Reinke. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Orlando Echola may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.