Alicia Rae (Nelson) Orstad

Alicia Orstad, age 82, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Willmar, died, Tuesday, January 5, at River Grand Senior Living in Grand Rapids.

A private funeral service will be held at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.  A recording of the service will be available at hafh.org/obituary/Alicia-Orstad.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice through the Rice Health Foundation.

Alicia Rae Orstad was born July 26, 1938, in Fosston, Minnesota, the daughter of Erwin and Agnes Elida (Erickson) Nelson.  She grew up and attended school in the Grygla area and later graduated high school from Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston.  She then attended North Dakota State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree Home Economics Education.  Alicia taught home economics in Deer River, New York Mills, and International Falls.  On July 20, 1968, she married Kenneth Orstad at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla.  They made their home in Willmar and Alicia taught in Atwater until the birth of their children: Steven and Mark.  Alicia later worked for Kandiyohi County Social Services and taught Early Childhood and Family Education.  In 2017, Alicia moved to Grand Rapids.

Alicia was an excellent cook and baker, and made delicious desserts.  She enjoyed sewing, reading, music and going on horticulture tours.  She also enjoyed going with Kenneth and the boys on their hunting, fishing and camping trips.

She is survived by her sons: Steven Orstad of Willmar and Mark (and Cortney) Orstad of Grand Rapids; grandchildren: Sigourney & Soledad Orstad, and Ella & Aaron Orstad; a brother: Odell (and Carol) Nelson of Perham; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband: Kenneth in 2000.

Alicia’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at River Grand and Essentia Hospice for great deal of attention and care they provided.

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