Lorraine Wenker

Lorraine A. Wenker, age 86, of Melrose, died peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2015, at home with her husband, Ray, nearby.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 3 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. Rev. Marvin Enneking will be officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Lorraine Adeline Klasen was born August 4, 1929, in Millwood Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Ben and Theresa (Engelmeyer) Klasen. On August 20, 1951, she married Raymond "Ray" Wenker at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. Lorraine and Ray farmed near Westport in Ashley Township for 56 years. They were members of the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua and Lorraine was a member of the Christian Mothers Association throughout her time with the parish.

Lorraine enjoyed spending as much time outdoors as possible. She was the happiest when she was outside and especially enjoyed helping with the daily tasks of farm life: fieldwork, chores, operating farm equipment, and caring for her vegetable and flower gardens. She always made unexpected guests feel welcome and could prepare a delicious meal at a moment's notice. She enjoyed reading and would often read recipe books for fun.

In her earlier years, she sewed most of the clothing for her growing children. Lorraine learned how to knit and crochet. Crocheting soon became her specialty. In addition to bedspreads, draperies, tablecloths, afghans, and doilies, she crocheted Baptismal gowns and Holy Communion gowns for grandchildren, and even a business suit for a daughter. Thinking ahead, she also crocheted a bridal gown for any future weddings. Over the years, she generously gifted hundreds of handcrafted items to her family and friends.

After retirement, the couple moved to Melrose and became members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. During her retirement and up until the day she passed, she watched televised daily Mass, continued her crocheting projects, cooked and preserved food for herself and Ray, and learned to use an iPad. She was thrilled to use it to play a game of cards whenever she liked. She especially enjoyed visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A highlight of the visits would usually include playing a few rounds of the Sequence board game.

Throughout Lorraine's life, she was a hard-working person of strong faith and perseverance. Despite her physical hardships, she remained self-disciplined and diligent in maintaining the health and well-being of herself and her family.

Lorraine will be missed by all those whose lives she touched but will always be near because of the love we have for her. We are proud of her for completing her life's journey and receiving her prize.

Loved ones left behind include her husband, Ray Wenker of Melrose. Children: Wayne Wenker of Eden Prairie; Judy (Jon) Jakubov of Maize, Kansas; Rose (David) Merten of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Myrina (Don) Kleinschmidt of Orono; and Ted (Liliana Hidalgo) Wenker of Wexford, Ireland. Ten grandchildren: Ryan, Mathew, Angela, Jordan, Benjamin, Jacob, Samuel, Isaac, Michaela, and Sarah. Three great-grandchildren: Ava, Ryder, and Ethan. Sisters: Janet (Marvin) Notch of Melrose and Mildred "Millie" (Virgil) Beuning of Key Stone Heights, Florida.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John Klasen and Richard Klasen; and sister, Irene Kerfeld.

Serving as urn bearer will be Ryan Jakubov. Cross bearer will be Sarah Kleinschmidt and scripture bearer will be Angela Dolan. Honorary bearers will be Ben Merten Sam Merten, Isaac Merten, Jordan Jakubov and Mathew Jakubov. The eulogy will be read by Chad Dolan and gift bearers will be Ben Merten, Sam Merten, and Isaac Merten. Serving as lector will be Mathew Jakubov and reading the petitions will be Jordan Jakubov.