Lorraine A. Larson

ROCHESTER, MINN: Lorraine A. Larson, 89, passed away peacefully with family by her side, Sunday, April 22, 2012 at St. Marys Hospital. Lorraine was born October 15, 1922 in Rochester to Alfred and Lora (Wiese) Paschke. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1940 and was a lifetime resident of Rochester. Lorraine married Willard Larson on August 4, 1943 in Rochester at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church.They lived in Yuma, AZ briefly while Willard served in the military. She was a member of Peace United Church of Christ, Rhoda Circle and the Y-HAW Group at church. She worked at Larson Realty as a part time realtor and then as secretary and bookkeeper from 1971 until the time of her death. Lorraine also handled insurance claims for Washington National Insurance Company. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed playing gin rummy with Willard, loved watching game shows, especially Jeopardy and was a big fan of Minnesota sports, especially the Twins and Vikings. Lorraine was a great cook, enjoyed knitting, bird watching, and loved listening to good music. She had a great sense of humor and her main passion in life was spending time with her family and the many memories they created. She enjoyed every moment she had with her grandchildren and great-granchildren. Lorraine is survived by Willard, her loving husband of 68 years, children, Doug (Mona) Larson of Chaska, MN, Anne (Jim) Fritsche, Steve Larson, Rick (Karen) Larson, Sue (David) Gibson all of Rochester, Tom (Maelissa) Larson of Crystal, MN; 14 grandchildren, Ben and Jesse Larson, Erik (Amy Lien) Fritsche, Chad (fiance Angie Harrison) Fritsche, Sarah (Craig) Rathke, Josh (Nikki) Larson, Stephanie Larson, Nicole Larson, Erin, Laura and Gina Gibson, Angela, Suzanna and Daniel Larson and 7 great-grandchildren, Oliver, Izzy, Madeline, Annabelle, Nolan, Drew and Annika. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Lora Paschke, her brother Marlow, grandchildren Brandon and Elizabeth Gibson and Amanda Fritsche. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Peace United Church of Christ, 1503 2nd Ave. NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. The Rev. Paul Bauch will be officiating with interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lorraine's family are preferred. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com