Orval William Goslaw

Orval was a godly man from the very beginning. He was the definition of character and steadfastness. As one of three sons, he had his fair share of getting into trouble and being mischievous. The stories he would tell about the things he, Glen, and Fred would do still have us laughing—and sometimes shaking our heads in disbelief.

Orval grew up with a love for baseball, especially the New York Yankees. He loved going to Yankee Stadium to watch them play, and he would tell stories about taking the subway and paying just $0.25 to see his favorite team. His other favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was a well-known fact that you did not call Orval during a Steelers game, especially if they were losing. On occasion, you may have even heard a dial tone.

Then came the years of being a dad, and life with Orval was full of adventure. It looked like working on dirt bikes and going to races, spending every second he could at the hunting camp, handing out a $20 bill to cover ice cream cones at Thrifty’s without expecting any change back, and going fishing with any of the kids who wanted to go. There were countless camping trips with friends and family, where Orval became something of a legend when it came to breakfast cooked over an open fire.

And at the end of a long day, there was usually a card game. Whether it was with close friends or family, all bets were off and the competition came out. Those games created memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Orval was a builder at heart. From commercial projects to homes and countless churches, he was always planning, sketching, calculating, and figuring out material lists. His knowledge and understanding of development were unmatched. In his later years, that same knowledge and creativity found a new expression through woodworking. Many homes today hold pieces of his craftsmanship—tangible reminders of the time, care, and skill he poured into everything he created.

Above all, Orval loved Irene and his family—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He always made himself available and would do anything he could to help when someone was in need. He had one of the biggest and most giving hearts.

Serving others was his mission. If you knew Orval through family or friendship, you knew his heart. You experienced his calm presence, received his words of wisdom, and knew that those words were always grounded in Jesus. His faith was not simply something he talked about; it was something he lived. His steadfastness was a constant.

Orval loved the Lord with all of his heart. And one of his greatest desires was to make sure his family knew and loved the Lord, too.

His life was a testament to faith, family, service, hard work, and love. He leaves behind not only the things he built with his hands, but also the lives he touched, the wisdom he shared, the laughter he created, and a legacy of faith that will continue through the generations.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: David, Amy, Steve, Kim, Becky, Jeff, Kimberly, Pat, Shelley and Brad; grandchildren: Johnny, Chandler, Tyler, Sarah, Fischer, Abby, Hunter, Stephanie, Garett, Becca, Brittany, Rachel, Frantzi, Becca, Austin, Samantha, Greg, Chris, Freya, Madison and Mac; great- grandchildren: Autumn Rose, John Patric, Jensen Dale, Owen, Carlee, Hudson, Harper, Hallee, Garison, Griffin, Rowan, Millie, Daniel and Josiah; and brother: Glen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Fred; and wife: Irene Sue Goslaw.

Family will receive friends on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Mid-Way Baptist Church, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:00 am.

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