Lorayne Evelyn Erickson age 90 of Tyler passed away peacefully at her home on June 7, 2014.  She was surrounded and cared for by those who loved her most. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tyler.  Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment is in Opdal Cemetery in Florence.     Stephens Funeral Service – Tyler Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lorayne was born on September 22, 1923 to Jacob and Anna (Lohse)Turck in Litchfield, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN.  She graduated from Litchfield High School and went on to attend teacher’s training.  She taught one year at a country school.  On October 30, 1943, Lorayne was united in marriage to Milton Ellsworth Erickson of Florence, MN.  Milton was drafted and joined the Marines.  During the time Milton was in the service, Lorayne lived in Inglewood, California near her brother, Les, and her sister, Irene.  She worked at a defense plant as a welder for airplane parts.  In 1950, Milton and Lorayne moved to Tyler, MN and in 1961, the family moved to a farm by Twin Lakes near Ruthton and began farming.  Milton and Lorayne celebrated 25 years of marriage in 1968 shortly before Milton’s death.  Following Milton’s death, Lorayne starting working at Vadheim Memorial Hospital and became the head cook.  Lorayne moved back to Tyler in 1972 and lived in the same house for over 40 years until she passed away.  Lorayne retired from the hospital after 25 years in September 1993.

Lorayne spent many vacations with her family.  She enjoyed being around the lakes, sitting on the dock, or just reading.  Playing cards with her children or her grandchildren was a favorite past time.  She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, bird watching, and anything outdoors.  You could often find her out taking long walks.  In her early years, she enjoyed bowling and golf.  She loved baking and sharing her goodies with anyone and everyone:  family, neighbors, and the community.  She especially liked surprising the Tyler City crew with her goodies.  She had a quick wit and a keen sense of humor that always brought a smile to everyone’s face.  Lorayne had a big heart and a very generous soul, always putting others before herself.  Lorayne was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for over 40 years and her faith and church were very important to her.

Lorayne will be lovingly remembered and missed by her four children:  Richard (Lucy) Erickson of Woodbury, MN; Linda (James) Nelson of Montevideo, MN;  Linnae (Guy) Luebbe of Topeka, KS;  and Marlene Erickson of Marshall, MN;  five grandchildren:  David Erickson, Daniel Erickson, Teresa (Andrew) Moerke; Ryan (Meghan) Nelson, and Erika (Joseph) Robinson.  She was very special to her nine great-grandchildren:  Alexander and Penelope Erickson, Keegan and Peyton Moerke, Lorelei and Isaac Nelson, and Kinley, Campbell, and Cruz Robinson.  Lorayne’s many nieces, nephews, and cousins will also miss her.

Lorayne was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Erickson, many other relatives, and her lifelong friends: Herdis, Helga, and Edna.  Lorayne was the last surviving child of eleven brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Lorayne “was kind, she was smart, and she was important!”  We thank God for every day that we were blessed to have her in our lives.