Arlen "Red" LaCombe

Arlen "Red" LaCombe, age 96, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on July 30, 2026.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior the service. Rev. Cheryl Rondeau-Bassett will officiate. Military honors will be provided by VFW Big Stone Lake Post #3964.

Burial will be at a later date in Mound Cemetery.

The service will be live streamed, recorded, and viewable below this obituary.

Arlen Edward LaCombe was born on January 24, 1930, at the family farm home near Big Stone City, SD. He was the son of Walter and Olive (Jacobs) LaCombe and affectionately nicknamed, “Red”. He attended country school until his family moved to a farm near Ortonville, MN, then attended Ortonville High School, graduating with the Class of 1948.

Red farmed with his father. He was united in marriage with Ardell Bernette Agre on November 8, 1953, in Montevideo, MN. They were blessed with three children: Lori, Rebecca, and Bruce.

Red joined the Ortonville National Guard Unit in 1947; in 1951, he was initiated to active duty at Camp Rucker, AL. He attended the Army OCS Course at Fort Sill, OK. Upon his graduation, he was deployed to Korea, where he served until the Korean Armistice. He returned to Ortonville following his honorable discharge on September 22, 1953. Red was awarded the Korean Service Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Red resumed farming with his father and engaged in the hog-buying business. His military service continued as he was active with the National Guard/Reserve programs. He attended Artillery Career School at Fort Sill and Command/General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. He served until he retired after 29 years as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Red was a life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion. He served on the Upper Minnesota River Watershed Board. He was a faithful and active member of First English Lutheran Church, serving on several church boards, including President of the Congregation. Red also sang in the church choir for 50 years. He served four terms as a Big Stone County Commissioner. He and Ardell enjoyed traveling and had the privilege to attend a Scandinavia Tour. Red also enjoyed playing golf with Ardell and friends. He loved to read and enjoyed a game of cards while visiting with his friends.

Red LaCombe is survived by his wife, Ardell, of Ortonville, MN; three children: Lori LaCombe of Fargo, ND; Becky LaCombe of Denver, CO; and Bruce (Colleen) LaCombe of Lakeville, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Olive LaCombe; and his sister, Ora Mae George.