Orril Joye Brainard

Orril Joye Brainard, 88 of Harmony died May 20, 2020, at Harmony Place Assisted Living.

Orril was born December 26, 1931, to Luella and J. Arthur Milne. She grew up on the farm in rural Harmony, attending the Scotland School.  She was active in 4-H and showed cattle at the Minnesota State Fair.  She graduated from Harmony High School in 1950.  Her classmates may remember her by the nickname “Scottie.”

Orril married Orlando Michel. They later divorced. She married Keith Brainard and moved to rural Postville, returning to her farm roots. Most of her life she was a caregiver. They wintered in Florida before becoming a permanent resident there. Keith later passed away in 2008. She enjoyed snowmobiling, traveling, camping, antiques, spinning wool, hunting morel mushrooms, painting, looking for Indian Arrowheads, class reunions, garage sales, buffets, and her pets, which included dogs, cats, a skunk, and a monkey.

  Orril is survived by two sons George (Deanna) Michel, and Steve (Joan) Michel; three grandchildren: Mitch Michel, Liz (Allen) Torgerson, and Jesse (Kristina) Michel; four great-grandchildren: Nile and Annika Torgerson, and Fritz and Willow Michel; and Keith’s daughters Marsha and Kamie.

  Orril was buried in the Scotland Cemetery at the Richland Prairie Presbyterian Church where Orril’s great grandfather, Henry Milne, was a charter member, trustee, and donated the land that the church is built on. Due to the pandemic, the family will have a private gathering. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.