Orville Leverne Smestad was born August 17, 1928, to Melvin and Nora (Nilson) Smestad, in Nome, ND.  He graduated from Nome High School where he excelled in basketball.  After his schooling, Orville served five years in the US Army.  He received three Bronze Star Medals during the Korean War.

On October 7, 1957, he married Burga Detling of Manfred, ND.  They made their home in Valley City, ND for many years.  He worked countless hours as a heavy equipment operator doing road construction.  In his spare time, he loved to tinker on his Ford trucks.

He is survived by his wife, Burga, Valley City; sons, Clyde (Brenda) Smestad of West Fargo, ND and Craig Smestad of Plymouth, MN; and 3 grandchildren.

Orville died November 25, 2023, at Essentia Health Hospital, Fargo, ND at the age of 95.  He was preceded in death by parents, sister, Loraine Sad; bother, Marvin; and son, Curtis Smestad.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM, Monday, December 18, 2023, at SMP Health-St. Raphael Care Center Chapel.  Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND, at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 19, with full military honors.  The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting Orville’s family with arrangements.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudmathias.com