Lorraine VanDerWerf was born at Rush Point, Minnesota on September 13, 1913 to Anton and Anna Borg. She died July 16, 2007 at the Saint Anthony Health Care Center in Saint Anthony, Minnesota, having reached the age of 93 years.

While growing up, Lorraine attended the nearby rural school at Rush Point and was baptized and confirmed at Rush Point Lutheran Church. Later she moved with her family to Sandstone, Minn., where she met and married Jacob VanDerWerf on September 9, 1932.

For the last 37 years, Lorraine has resided in Minneapolis, Minn. Fifteen of those years she lived with her daughter, Bonnie, and her family. During those years, Lorraine helped raise her granddaughters and enjoyed cooking and baking, camping, painting, playing the piano and numerous other activities. During World War II, she worked as head cook at the Grant House in Rush City, Minn. Her homemade rye bread and pies were renowned specialties that many patrons would travel far to taste.

Lorraine was a gifted musician-both she and her husband played their instruments and entertained people for many years at dances and social gatherings. People would come from miles around to hear them play and dance to their music. During the past several years that Lorraine lived in long-term care, when she felt well enough, she would entertain the other residents by playing the piano.

In spite of failing health, her sense of humor never faltered. Her caregivers were kept amused by her ability to say in no uncertain terms, exactly what she thought. This was always followed by a big smile from Lorraine and the staff would get a friendly pat on the arm. Lorraine never hesitated to tell people what Jesus meant to her. She was proud to be able to witness her faith whenever the opportunity arose and spoke often of heaven and how we will all be together for eternity with our Lord and Savior. She has left her earthly body and now abides in the most holy place where pain and suffering are no more.

Lorraine is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Sheila VanDerWerf of Bisbee, Ariz.; daughter and son-in-law: Bonnie and William Ferguson of Saint Anthony; grandchildren: Denise (Bruce) Redgate of Minneapolis, Darrin VanDerWerf of Bisbee, Ariz., Tracy Ferguson and William Ferguson, Jr., great-grandson: Michael Ferguson all of Saint Anthony; and nieces and nephews Renae (Gary) Klein of Mora, Sandra Kuka of St. Paul, Ray (Sharon) Mell of Rush City, Doris Lent of Lindstrom, and Dennis Mell of Stacy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Anna Borg; sister and brother-in-law, Delilah and Fred Mell; brother and sister-in-law Eddie and Ethel Berg.

A memorial service was celebrated at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2007 at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City with the Reverend Laurie O'Shea officiating. Music was provided by organist Dianne Kirchberg and soloist Jon Ekstrom sang three songs in Swedish. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City Olson Chapel.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com