Loraine Otto passed away on August 8, 2024 at LifeCare Roseau Manor at the age of 96.
Loraine Virginia Otto was born on April 14, 1928 in rural Roseau County to John and Teckla Brunell Miovac. She attended school until the 8th grade and on September 11, 1945 she married Lester Otto. Their first home together was a small cabin along the river in Big Fork, MN. Lester worked in the logging industry for a couple of years there. Lester’s love for farming brought them back to Roseau County where they worked as hired hands. Loraine learned quickly how to become a hard-working farmer’s wife. After four short years and two young children with a third on the way, they had saved enough money to buy their own farm.
In the fall of 1949, they moved onto the farm where Loraine lived from the young age of 21 years old until she moved into the nursing home at the age of 95. Lester started work at Stordahl Truck Lines that same fall; gone every day from 7-5. There was Loraine, alone all day, raising children, milking cows, doing chores, planting and tending a huge garden, baking bread 2-3 times a week, and cooking meals; to say she learned to work is an understatement! She was learning to be an example for her 7 children, 25 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-great grandkids.
She truly loved life and all the hard work she did. Loraine taught her children to be perfectionists. She also taught all her children to sing. Lester and her would sing while milking cows and any other opportunity they had. She also loved the outdoors. Milking 30-60 cows her entire life was her passion, and all knew her love for her chickens. She had one of Stafford township’s best and biggest gardens and won several ribbons including Grand Champion for her garden produce at the Roseau County Fair. For many years Loraine had three garden spots, a pumpkin patch, a large raspberry patch, and a long-raised strawberry garden. She was also passionate about music, dancing, and selling eggs. Loraine cared deeply for the downtrodden.
She is survived by her sons Dwight (Carol) Otto of Lakeville, MN, Wesley (Rosie) Otto of Roseau, MN, Schuyler Otto of Roseau, Chancy (Jonnie) Otto of Roseau; daughters Bonnie (Lowell) Gunderson of Baudette, MN, Vangievail (Robert) Byfuglien of Roseau, Connie (Melvin) Charron Carley of Boerne, TX; 25 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Shirley Miovac of International Falls, MN.
Loraine was preceded in death by her husband Lester Otto; parents John and Teckla; infant son Bruce, grandson Mathew Byfuglien; son-in-law Dennis Charron; grandson-in-law Todd Oleary; all her siblings and in-laws; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A special thanks to LifeCare Roseau Manor and Joan Hulst.
A Funeral Service for Loraine Otto will take place on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau at 2:00 pm with a visitation an hour prior. A visitation will also be held the night prior at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Interment will be held at Falun Cemetery.
Last modified: 08/13/2024
