Obituary

Orval Albert Dehning was born on June 24, 1930, to Edward “Eddie” Paul Dehning and Alma Kallsen Dehning at his grandparents’ house in Big Springs, Nebraska.  He was baptized on February 15, 1931, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Big Springs, Nebraska, by Pastor Martin P. Dreyer and was confirmed in that same Christian faith on May 6, 1945, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church under the tutelage of Pastor Martin P. Dreyer.

Orval spent his early years at his parents’ farm northwest of Big Springs, Nebraska.  He graduated from Big Springs Rural High School in 1948.  He worked various jobs in Big Springs, Nebraska, before he enlisted in the United States Navy in May of 1950 during the Korean War.  He served on Fighter Squadron Fifty-Two on the U.S.S. Boxer until his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in June of 1954.  He returned to Nebraska and was united in marriage on August 15, 1954, to Elda Frerichs by Pastor H. L. W. Schuetz at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ogallala, Nebraska.  He worked in several industries in Ogallala, Nebraska; and Denver, Colorado, before moving to Sydney, Nebraska, to work for National Supply Company.  While with the Company he was transferred to Fort Morgan, Colorado; Craig, Colorado; Casper, Wyoming; and Houston, Texas, where he officially retired on February 27, 1984, and then continued with contract work for National Supply Company for another year.

During this time, Orval and Elda were blessed with their only son, Doug, along with their two daughters, Debra, and Denise, whom he loved very much.  In 1992, Orval and Elda moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, to be closer to their children.  He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  He enjoyed his model train collection, researching family history, and DIY projects to share with those he loved.  He continued caring for the family farm, and then designed and created the Community Hall Historical Memorial, outside of Big Springs, Nebraska, which he maintained until his death.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward, and Alma Dehning; by his brothers Mervin, Lavern, Delmar, and Marion Dehning; and by his only sister, Eileen Smith.

Orval is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Elda Dehning; by his brother Lyle Dehning and wife Beverly; by his three children, son Doug Dehning and wife Cielo, daughter Debra Heckmann and husband John, and daughter Denise Dehning; by his six grandchildren. Michelle Heckmann, Matthew Dehning and wife Mariko, Michael Heckmann and wife Rebecca, Mark Dehning, Marisa Dehning, and Mikayla Heckmann; and his six great-grandchildren, Noah Perry, Annabella Heckmann, Liliana Atchley, Liam Dehning, Kaiden Dehning, and Theodore Dehning; and by numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.

Orval Albert Dehning passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at his home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, at the age of 93 years, 8 months, and 17 days.  Now through faith in Jesus Christ alone, he lives for all eternity with his, and our, Father in heaven.

Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063