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 60^th 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).