Orlon "Orlie" M. Crist

Orlon Maynard Crist “Orlie” entered this life on May 17, 1940 at Vona, Co. He was the third child born to Cecil Curtis and Glessie Ellen (Ferguson) Crist. He departed this life to go to his heavenly home on Sat. August 19, 2017 at the age of 77 years, 3 months and 2 days. He passed away at his home in Burlington, surrounded by his loving wife of 54 years, Iva and their 2 daughters, Lisa and LaDonna. Orlie grew up north of Stratton where his father farmed. He attended several years of country school at the Kechter school before attending school at Kirk. He then attended Kirk school until Kirk and Joes schools consolidated his junior year. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1957. After graduation from High School, Orlie went to Sante Fe, NM. There he was employed by an electrician wiring homes on Indian reservations. He then volunteered for the US Army draft in March, 1959. While in the army he spent most of his military time in France. He was discharged from the army in March, 1961. After his discharge he came to Burlington and started working at Fromong’s Body Shop. While there he met his wife, Iva Stahlecker. Iva was just beginning her nursing career at KCCMH after graduating from Beth-El School of Nursing in Colorado Springs. Orlie continued to work at Fromong’s until the business was sold in 1965. He then worked at a local service station and then for Jerry Eberhart doing farm work. In 1968, Orlie went into partnership with Richard Crites, operating an Auto Body Repair Shop in the back of Harrison Motor Co. on main street. In 1970, he opened Orlie’s Front End and Body Shop on Railroad Ave. in Burlington. In 1972, he built his new shop at 433 Lincoln, (now owned by C&C Auto), until he retired in 2000. Orlie and Iva were married on March 24, 1963 at Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Bethune. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Lisa Leann and LaDonna Lea. Orlie was baptized in the Christian faith at Immanuel’s and was a very active member. He served on the church council several terms as well as being a youth group sponsor with Iva for a number of years. In 2001 they joined First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Burlington. While the new church was being built, Orlie helped Henry Hansen with the finishing work on the altar, communion rail, pulpit, and most of the other furniture in the worship area. They made a number of wood chests to be given to newly baptized members. Orlie belonged to the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department from 1963 to 1992. He was assistant chief in 1981 & 1982 and the Fire Chief 1983 &1984. After his retirement he served on the Fire Department Board from 1998 to 2004. Orlie served on the Burlington City Council from 2004 to 2014. After retirement Orlie began doing woodwork and welding projects. Among the furniture he made was a specially designed cabinet for Iva’s quilting machine. He began making fine wine from grapes and peaches they raised plus other fruits they purchased. He helped a friend improve his registered Angus herd by helping him buy additional cows for his herds. Orlie’s grandchildren and great granddaughter were his pride and joy. He helped all three grandchildren get their old pickups in running order. Almost every visit ended with a bowl of ice cream, mini chocolate chips, and chocolate or strawberry syrup. His favorite snack was M&M’s and dry roasted peanuts. During their marriage, Orlie and Iva enjoyed traveling. They traveled with family and friends to Hawaii, Spain, Jamaica, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada. They also enjoyed auto trips with friends as well as bus trips to various places in the US. They spent numerous weeks at a cabin owned by friends at Johnson Lake in Nebraska were Orlie enjoyed fishing until the last few years. Orlie enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. Family reunions were spent with cousins playing Pitch from morning until late at night. His favorite opponent was his brother, Dale. Orlie was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Lois Crist. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Iva; daughters, Lisa (Jerry) White, and LaDonna (Woody) Breazeale; grandchildren, Kari Anne (Kaleb) Gilley, James Cristopher and ShyAnn Marie Breazeale, and great granddaughter, Amelia Jane Gilley; his brother, Dale, all of Burlington and his sister, Maxine (Don) Lengel of Hugo; and a host of nieces and nephews.