Orville J Fraser “Sonny”, former Deer Lodge resident, currently of Laurel, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. He was born December 15, 1932, to Peter and Rachel Fraser in Langdon, ND.
On June 24, 1952, he married Florence Viola Conat Stevenson in Junction City, Kansas. This marriage brought 13 children.
After his tour in the US Armed Forces, the couple moved to International Falls, MN. In 1962 they moved to Deer Lodge, MT, and operated the Husky gas station in nearby Garrison. They returned to International Falls in 1968. Eight years later they moved back to Deer Lodge and ran a logging business. The family moved to Glendive, MT, in 1981 where he drove semi for Cenex Transportation, transferring to Laurel, MT, in 1988.
After 38 years of marriage Florence passed away on July 31, 1990. On March 6, 1993, Orville married Fran Blaylock. She passed away on January 10, 2009.
Sonny is survived by his only son, Chad Fraser of Deer Lodge, MT; seven daughters, Betty Przybylski of FL, Thelma Fraser Lofink of Laurel, MT, Rachel Fraser of Billings, MT, Valerie (Tom) Boelter of Park City, MT, Carol (Dan) Osmondson of Thief River Falls, MN, LaVonne (Pete) Kostrzewski of Stephen, MN, Stacey (Dan) Gabel of Laurel, MT; special daughter-in-law, Sandi Stevenson; 29 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and 25 great, great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Florence Fraser; second wife, Fran Fraser; sons, Howard, Loren, and Hank; daughters, Tammy and Faith; granddaughter, Kyla; grandson, Loren; and great grandson, Bo.
Viewing with visitation will begin at 11 am on Monday, November 6th at Assembly of God Church, 601 5th St., Deer Lodge, MT 59722. A graveside service with military honors will be held approximately 12 pm at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge following the visitation. A reception will be held back at the church following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Sonny are suggested to Montana Veterans Meat Locker, 2139 Main Street Suite B, Billings MT 59105. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Sonny.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Sonny.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Sonny and his family.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Monday November 6, 2023
Assembly of God Church
601 5th St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 12pm
Monday November 6, 2023
Hillcrest Cemetery
Conley Lake Drive
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the graveside service
Monday November 6, 2023
Assembly of God Church
601 5th St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Monday November 6, 2023
Assembly of God Church
601 5th St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 12pm
Monday November 6, 2023
Hillcrest Cemetery
Conley Lake Drive
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the graveside service
Monday November 6, 2023
Assembly of God Church
601 5th St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
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rachell fraser says
How blessed was I to have a father like you?
Wayne says
What a great man. I have always enjoyed our visits. He has always welcomed everyone in for a cup of coffee or game of cribbage. Will forever remember.
Blake says
To the best grandpa anyone could ask for:
Grandpa used to watch my siblings and I every day before and after school he always made sure I had hot tea and a grilled cheese on the table when we got home. It was these little things I remember that really meant so much to me. He always had a smirk(the Fraser smirk) or a smile on his face no matter what. Grandpa had so much loss in his lifetime and you would never even know. I’m so grateful to have such an amazing and strong male figure in my life that could call my grandpa.
Carol Osmondson says
So blessed to have had him for a dad. He truly was the best! You taught us so many things, respect, manners, work ethic, how to save electricity by turning off the lights and shutting the door, how to use your blinker no matter how desolate, how to change a tire and how to drive. 😉
We miss you dad!