Joel David Orth

Joel David Orth, age 32, of Minneapolis passed away in his home August 15, 2014.Joel was born on September 14, 1981 in Rochester, MN - the son of Jeffery & Kathy (Larson) Orth.Joel graduated from Stewartville High School where he was active in FFA.He also was active in Olmsted County 4H and several saddle clubs. He loved horses owning several quarter horses during his teenage years as well as breeding and training Pony of America (POA) ponies. Joel loved growing up in the country on the farm with nature and outdoor activities like gardening, his horses, raising poultry,snowmobiling, camping, playing softball, and skiing.Most of all, Joel loved spending time with his family and many friends and was a gracious host for many gatherings.His home in Minneapolis was one in which the Welcome mat was always out and he made everyone feel at home and welcome. As an adult,Joel loved to travel taking many trips to various destinations in the United States and even internationally to both Europe and South America.Where ever Joel was, he embraced quality food with great passion.Travel and food were only important to Joel if it was shared with his many friends. Joel graduated from Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biology.During college, Joel began working at Minnesota motor vehicle and drivers license offices part time at various locations in the Minneapolis-St Paul area.Since 2008, Joel has worked as the General Manager at the Inver Grove Heights Deputy Registrar office.Joel was a member of Inver Grove Heights Chamber of Commerce, and a Board Member of the MN Deputy Registrar Association. Joel had a beloved yellow lab dog named Sally as a child that passed while he was in college.For the past several years, Joel has seldom been seen without his amazing and faithful cockapoo dog Jetta.In 2001 he was given the gift of life by his father, through a kidney transplant.Surviving are his parents, Jeff & Kathy Orth of Rochester, his paternal grandmother Shirley Orth of Byron, his maternal grandparents, Idore & Gloria Larson of Austin, and his siblings, Jeremy Orth of Rochester, Katie Orth of Oronoco, Jonathan Orth (Amber Leigh) of Rochester, James Orth of Apple Valley, and Kari Orth and Joshua Orth both of Minneapolis. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, and cousins.He was preceded in death by his grandfather David Orth.Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday 8/22/14 at Bethel Lutheran Church, visitation will take place 4-8 PM Thursday at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home and again one hour prior to services at the church.The family suggests memorials to the Bethel Lutheran Church.Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Austin after lunch.