John Orchard

John Patrick Orchard of North Branch, Minnesota, passed away at 79 years of age on November 25th. John peacefully passed away, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in St. Paul, John was the third of seven children to Timm and Eveline Orchard. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and enjoyed traveling to Germany, Spain, Italy, and other countries while in active service. 

After serving four years, he met Kathleen Ann Segl who became the love of his life. Married in 1967, they welcomed Patrick in 1969 and James in 1972. In 1977, the family moved to North Branch, Minnesota where he lived for the remainder of his years. 

During his career, John worked as a crane operator for American Hoist for many years. In 1988, John accepted a job as the lead groundskeeper for Concordia College in St. Paul. He was proud to work alongside his son, James, for the last 10 of his 20 career years before retiring. 

John enjoyed family trips, being active in the church, and raising his sons with his wife, Kathleen. After Kathleen’s death in 2015, he spent much of his free time with his oldest son, Patrick, camping and fishing, scouting out tools and coins at flea markets and garage sales, trying his luck at casinos, and meeting family and friends at local booyas.

In 2020, he welcomed his daughter-in-law, Milissa, into the family with open arms.

He was preceded in death by father, Timm D. Orchard Sr.; mother Eveline Orchard; loving wife Kathleen Orchard; and brothers Timm D. Orchard and Warden B. Orchard.

He is survived by sons, Patrick Orchard and James Orchard; daughter-in-law Milissa Orchard; step-grandsons Logan and Noah Becker; sisters Adeline (Dolly) McGinn, Mary Orchard, Michelle Orchard, and Judith Orchard, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Kessler Maguire Funeral Home (640 West 7th St., Saint Paul, MN 55102) on Thursday, December 5th at 11AM with a visitation 1 hour prior.