It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Orlen “Red” Eidahl, who left us on August 18, 2025 at 99 years of age.

Orlen was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, and friend, his kindness, wisdom, and strength touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Orlen was born to Peter and Olga (Jacobson) Eidahl on the family farm north of Rice Lake, WI, He attended Rice Lake High School and later enlisted in the United States Army. He served for the minimum of days and was honorably discharged for medical reasons. Orlen married Pauline Plain on August 3, 1946, at Grace Lutheran in Brill, Wisconsin. They made their home in Mikana, WI, where Orlen drove a milk truck before starting at Birchwood Manufacturing Company.

Orlen lived the American Dream, starting as a wheelbarrow gofer and retiring 38 years later as the Vice President and Plant Manager. Orlen was a member of Bethany Lutheran, where he held a number of offices and enjoyed the community of faith with regular worship. His faith in Jesus sustained him through his life. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge and Elk’sLodge. In his retirement, Orlen loved golfing with his friends, drinking coffee, and having conversations every morning. His passion in retirement was his membership in the Golden Kawanis. He took over as chair of the Petunia project and continued that leadership for a number of years, during which over three miles of Petunias were planted and cared for. He also enjoyed working the spaghetti feed, food wagon, and Christmas tree sales. His greatest joy was working together with others to help the community. With a greeting of “Good Morning,” he talked to everyone and was known as the greatest hugger.

Orlen is survived by his wife Pauline of 79 years, four children: Linda (Jerry) Larson of Cameron, WI; Carol (Philip) Backstrom of Maddock, ND; Sue Eidahl of Rice Lake, WI; and Scott (Steve Buttke) Eidahl of Cadott, WI; daughter-in-law Barb Eidahl of Eau Claire, WI; grandchildren: Chad O’Brien, Jason (Pamela) Larson, Joshua (Jasmine) Backstrom, Caleb (Kaitlyn) Backstrom, Jordan (Heide) Backstrom, Amy (Dan Groat) Eidahl, Anna (Kyle) Bauer, and Aaron Eidahl; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Carol Eidahl. They will forever cherish the memories and the love he shared. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Raymond; sister-in-law Joyce; brother-in-law Carl Plain Jr.; son Terry; and granddaughter Tanya O’Brien.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bethany Lutheran, Rice Lake Golden K - the petunia project or to Cedar Lake Cemetery.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, WI, where family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Orlen and honor his memory, Rev. Sue Eidahl and Rev. Rodger Prois officiating, Military Rites will be accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Honor Guard. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 27, from 4-7 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church and one hour before services on August 28.

The family is deeply grateful to the entire staff of Vista Prairie at Brentwood for their exceptional care and friendship. The services of St. Croix Hospice guided his last days with dignity and comfort. Orlen will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. May he rest in peace.

Last Update: Aug 20, 2025 7:11 am CDT