Jason E. Orchard

Jason E. Orchard, age 34, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016. Jason was born September 18, 1981, in Marquette, MI, son of Marlene (Visuri) Orchard and the late Ernest Orchard. Jason was engaged to his long-time sweetheart, Jennifer Hoover, who survives. Jason graduated from L’Anse High School in 1999. Jason was currently employed as a truck driver for P.G.A. Inc. of Wausau in their excavation division. Jason took pride in his hard work as a dump truck driver. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, spending time on his deck at the house, taking a sauna, and going on an occasional trip to the casino. Most of all, he enjoyed the time he spent with his children. Jason always took such great care of things at the house; whether it was cooking, cleaning, planting the garden, building a chicken coop, or making sure Jen had her coffee in the morning. Jason will never be forgotten, he was “Here for a good time, not for a long time.” Jason is survived by his fiancée, Jennifer Hoover of Merrill; his mother, Marlene Orchard of Covington, MI; his three children, Mia, Bristol, Alex, and a baby on the way; two siblings, Greg (Sara) Orchard of Gwinn, MI, and Kelly (Mark) Peyerk of Washington, MI; and Jen’s family: her parents, John and Cindy Hoover of Twin Lakes, MI, and her siblings, Julie (Chris) Elenbaun of Fairfax, VA, Steve (Crystal) Hoover of Weston, WI, and Eve Hoover (fiancé, Ryan Price) of Munising, MI. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins; numerous nieces and nephews; and many great friends from Michigan and Wisconsin. Jason was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Orchard; his brother, Michael Orchard; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. A memorial service for Jason will held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Covington, MI. The Rev. Peter Suomela will officiate. Interment will take place at Covington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. A reception at church will follow the committal service. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com