Lorraine Gaffney

Lorraine Gaffney

Lorraine Gaffney

Lorraine Ann Gaffney, age 86 of Renville, passed away with family by her side on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Seasons Hospice House in Redwood Falls.  Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 18 at Zion United Methodist Church in Danube.  Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls, and will continue one hour prior to the service at church Friday morning.  Burial will be in Middle Creek Zion Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lorraine Ann (Hemingsen) Gaffney was born April 15, 1932 in Flora Township, Renville County, Minnesota to Leslie and Helen (Harting) Hemingsen.  She attended Country School in Renville County for eight years, and went on to graduate from Renville High School.  Lorraine furthered her education at Mankato State University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching.  She taught at several schools including Madison, Danube, and Renville for many years.  On June 16, 1953, Lorraine married Howard L. Gaffney at the Methodist Church in Renville, before he was deployed with the US Army to serve in Germany.  Lorraine and Howard were blessed with three children: Kris, Jim, and Lisa.  In 1981, Lorraine and Howard purchased their lake cabin on Nest Lake where they made many years of happy memories.  Lorraine was a member of the Middle Creek Methodist Church, where she made countless banners – many of which are still used today. Her main focus at church was the children. She organized and planned the Christmas Program, Bible School, and Kid’s Club for many years. Lorraine was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed wedding dresses, quilts, and just loved fabric.  Lorraine was very artistic, and interior decorating was her specialty.  After retirement, Lorraine and Howard traveled extensively to places including Ireland, England, Germany, Alaska, China, Cameroon, Nova Scotia, Egypt, and all across Canada.  After retiring from teaching, mission trips became her passion. She helped with everything from building churches to caring for children in orphanages.  Together, Lorraine and Howard took many camping trips. Grand Marais was one of their favorite places.  They were able to spend their 60th wedding anniversary there along with their children and grandchildren.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a highlight of Lorraine’s life, and she cherished every moment spent together with them..

Lorraine is survived by her children: Kris (Brad) Myers, Jim (Marie) Gaffney, and Lisa (Tom) Zamberletti; grandchildren: Dustin (Sarah) Myers, April (Jake) Kretschmar, Brady (Kasey) Myers, James and Mega Gaffney; great grandchildren: Casen, Halle, and Carter Myers, Victoria Dennis, Mack Myers, and Hawkyn Kretschmar; brother Chris (Mary Ann) Hemmingsen; sisters-in-law: Mildred, Marian, and René Hemingsen.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard, and siblings: Stanley, Donald, Leo, and Leone (husbands Edwin and Elroy).

7 thoughts on “Lorraine Gaffney”

  1. Terry R Marguth

    I am shocked and sad to hear of Lorraine”s passing. What a beautiful and gracious lady. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. R.I.P. Lorraine.

  2. Troy and Kate Hanson

    Troy and I are so surprised and saddened to hear of Lorraine’s passing. We had such a lovely time visiting with her last summer at the farm. Even at 85 she was full of quick wit and wise, inspiring conversation! What a uniquely delightful woman to know. We will be praying for everyone as you gather to celebrate her life at the service this Friday.
    With love from Taipei, Taiwan,
    Kate and Troy Hanson and family

  3. I was 10 years old when my Uncle Howie married Lorraine. They lived in a little trailer house on the Gaffney family farm and sister Ann and I loved to visit with her. We thought she was just the coolest aunt. We lived in town and one year my brother Bob got some baby chicks from the Mixa Hatchery. When they were too big to be in town Bob took them out to Grandma and Grandpa Gaffneys where Howie and Lorraine lived. One big beautiful white rooster loved to lay in wait and chase Lorraine every chance he got but Lorraine got the best of him – he ended up on the dinner table. Thank you for being a great part of my childhood. Dave and Janet King Duncan

  4. Love you grandma say hello to grandpa and oh my friend Lauren Jenkins please help her cross over I told Her to keep an eye for you grandma
    Love your grandson
    James Gaffney
    “DJ Sham “

  5. Rod and Katie Nakgaki

    We are so very saddened to hear of Lorraine’s passing and are sorry for your loss. Lorraine was the best mentor and friend to me in my teaching days in Renville. Lorraine always had a listening ear, a sense of humor in her words of wisdom and a cup of coffee and a treat to keep me going! Rod and I are so thankful to you for meeting us in Owatonna last year for such a fun visit with Lorraine. Such a classy lady, and I am blessed to have known her. Sending prayers, love and hugs to you. God bless.
    Katie and Rod Nakagaki

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top