Orville Ellwanger, 77, of Oakdale died Saturday, June 9 in Modesto. His final days were spent with his family by his side.

He was born in Battlelake, Minnesota and had lived in Oakdale for 15 years.

He was a veteran of the Korean War and retired co-owner of Able Auto Wreckers of Newark, California.

Mr. Ellwanger was a gentle, mild-mannered man who was admired and loved by all he knew. He was family-oriented and enjoyed spending time outdoors in his workshop and yard. He will be remembered by his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as being fun and adventurous, never afraid to take on a challenge with them.

He was an active member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Waterford. He will be remembered as a dedicated worker who took great joy in serving his savior.

Survivors include his wife, Imogene Ellwanger of Oakdale; son Randy Ellwanger of Twain Harte and daughter Sandy Hart of Oakdale; brothers Jim Ellwanger and Allen Ellwanger, both of Hayward, Fred Ellwanger of Reno, California, Bob Ellwanger of Cottonwood; sisters, Annette Pietschmann, Dorothy Dickerson and Gladys Nunes, all of Hayward, Lorraine Nunes of Brentwood; grandchildren Brandon Ellwanger of Long Barn, and Carson Hart, Allison Hart and Josh Hart, all of Oakdale.

His wife, children and grandchildren loved him dearly. Life for them will never be the same without him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard Ellwanger and Amanda Hanson Ellwanger; brother Harvey Ellwanger; sisters Ruby Ellwanger Montana, Helen Ellwanger Silva and Linda Ellwanger Silva, and four infant siblings.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lakewood Funeral Home, Hughson.

Services will be Friday, June 15 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with interment at Lakewood Memorial Park.