Lorraine Giese

Lorraine Idell Anderson, daughter of Oscar and Emma (Perseke) Anderson, was born February 4, 1934 in Correll, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Odessa. Lorraine grew up and began her schooling in the Artichoke area. She graduated from Appleton High School in 1952. On June 19, 1955, she was united in marriage to Eldon Bakken. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Donnelly, where they raised their four daughters. Lorraine also worked at Farmers and Merchants State Bank and part-time at the Donnelly Post Office. Eldon passed away on February 15, 1987. Lorraine continued to live in Donnelly and on October 29, 1994, she was united in marriage to Clarence Giese. Clarence and Lorraine remained in Donnelly, where they lived in the same house that Lorraine had lived in the past 39 years.

Lorraine was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Donnelly, serving on several committees. She enjoyed dancing with Clarence, going for walks, gardening, volunteering in the community, spending time with friends and helping people in need. One of her true pleasures was spending time with her family. She will be remembered by her family for her wonderful sense of humor.

Lorraine died on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 73 years.

She is survived by her husband: Clarence Giese of Donnelly; four daughters: Julie Bakken of Morris; Karleen (Dennis) Wernsing of Chokio, Alane (Steve) Schauster of Queen Creek, AZ and Stacy (Darren) Baxter of Oak Grove; one step-son: Rodney (Linda) Giese of Donnelly; three step-daughters: Sharon (Gary) Dohlen of Morris, Rebecca (Jim) Hennen of Norwood-Young America and Lori (Dave) Breecher of Prior Lake; eight grandchildren; 15 step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; one sister: Marlys Buntje of Morris; two sisters-in-law: Arlene Ohlaug of Appleton and Erma Anderson of Fergus Falls and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband: Eldon Bakken; her parents and one brother: Kenneth Anderson.

Pallbearers for the service are: Chad Stoneburg, Derek Stoneburg, Tony Wernsing, Jacob Dohlen, Erik Giese and Brent Evink. Peggy Wilke will serve as organist for the service with Corrine Knochenmus serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.