Lorraine Carlson

Lorraine Carlson, age 98, of Lakefield, Minnesota, entered into rest on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the Ava’s Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakefield, with Reverend Phil Beukema officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Following the service, burial will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Lakefield. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Osterberg Funeral Home Facebook page.

Lorraine Muriel Carlson, daughter of Henry and Laura (Uhlken) Appel was born on January 26, 1923, in La Crosse Township, Jackson County, Minnesota. She attended country school near Westbrook, and Immanuel Lutheran Parochial school. Lorraine graduated from Lakefield high school in 1941. She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Okabena, until attending school at Immanuel Lutheran, where she was confirmed, became a devoted member, taught Sunday school, and was the grandmother to the 2nd grade class at the Immanuel school. Lorraine was united in marriage to Elmer Kruse in 1942. This union was blessed with 3 children Gary, Larry, and Kathryn. Lorraine held various jobs in Lakefield from clerk at the local stores, waitress at the local establishments and as an egg candler. She belonged to the American Legion Post #4 and Hanson-Ward Post VFW #4743, where she was President of the VFW auxiliary for a 4-year term.  On October 8, 1968, Lorraine married H. Ed Carlson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They made their home together in Lakefield, where they owned Ed and Lorraines, and also the Side Door Tavern.  In February of 2007, Lorraine became a resident of the Colonial Manor Nursing Home. On Thursday, September 30, 2021, Lorraine was joined in her Lord and Savior, at Ava’s Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 98 years, 8 months, and 4 days.

Lorraine was always on the move and an extremely handworker. She was an avid gardener raising vegetables, fruits, and flowers. She enjoyed canning her harvest from the year and sharing flower bouquets from her garden with family and friends. Lorraine won many ribbons at the county fairs. She was a phenomenal cook, and baker, making plenty to be able to share with others. Lorraine loved her family and looked forward to having them for regular Sunday Dinners. She had a smile and laugh that was contagious. Lorraine has left a lifetime of memories for her family to cherish.

Lorraine is survived by her children Larry Kruse of Lakefield, Kathryn (Kenny) Kuehl of Redwood Falls; daughter-in-law Diane Kruse Hussong of Lakefield; stepchildren Roger (Beth) Carlson of Lakefield, Greg (LuAnn) Carlson of Windom, and Jeff Carlson of Idaho; brother Marvin Appel, along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband Elmer Kruse, husband H. Ed Carlson, her parents Henry and Laura Appel, son Gary Kruse, brother Myron Appel, sisters in law Nita Appel and Marilu Appel, grandson Kelsey Kuehl, granddaughter Kristel Kuehl, and daughter in law Susan Kruse.

Blessed be the memory of Lorraine Carlson.

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