Lorraine Schreifels

Lorraine C. Schreifels, age 81, of Melrose, died suddenly of a massive stroke on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at the Melrose Area Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church in Melrose.

Lorraine Catherine Barthel was born April 3, 1929 in St. Martin to Mathias and Johanna (Buettner) Barthel. She married Victor Schreifels on November 23, 1948 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. They had one son, James "Jimmy" who died of cancer six months after Victor passed away. Lorraine's life centered on her family, home, cooking, and gardening. Victor, Lorraine, and Jimmy was a trio that enjoyed each other's company. She was a frugal person who led a simple life. She enjoyed crocheting doilies, afghans, and slippers for her family. She also made thousands of slippers for the Toasty Toes Program for the service men and women. She enjoyed canning, plastic canvas art, embroidering on dish towels and pillows, and many other crafts. She had a love for nature, especially birds. She knew many facts about all species. Her favorite pastimes included fishing, spending time at their cabin on the lake, listening to "Old Time" music, and going to garage sales. Lorraine was a perfectionist on everything she did and will be greatly missed.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.

Survivors include her sisters, Frances Schreifels of Melrose and Kathleen (Hank) Middendorf of Freeport; sisters-in-law, Arlene Barthel and Mary Ann (Barthel) Scott both of St. Joseph; and many nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; husband of over 50 years, Victor Schreifels on February 1, 2000; son, Jim on September 6, 2000; brothers, Allen, Donald and Robert Barthel; and brother-in-law, Marc Schreifels.

Serving as casket bearers will be Judy Schreifels, Randy Moening, Russel Middendorf, Gary Schreifels, Mike Olmschenk, and Vern Barthel. Cross bearer will be Marlene Schneider.