Lorraine W. Swedberg
1927-2015
Lorraine Winnifred Swedberg, 87, died Saturday, February 7, 2015, at the Knute Nelson Care Center in Alexandria.
Lorraine was born on March 23, 1927, in Fergus Falls, MN, to Stanley and Ida (Smith) Askerooth. She grew up on a farm near Battle Lake, MN. After attending country school through the eighth grade, Lorraine graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1944. She worked at the Ottertail County Courthouse in Fergus Falls for one year before attending St. Paul Bible Institute (now Crown College) for two years. Lorraine then worked at Wright Memorial Hospital in Fergus Falls until the spring of 1948.
On June 5, 1948, Lorraine married Lyle Swedberg in a ceremony at her parents’ home. They lived in Kansas City, MO, while Lyle attended airline school, and then over the course of their marriage enjoyed living in Wyoming, South Dakota and Minnesota. Lyle and Lorraine moved to Alexandria in 1967.
Lorraine was an active member of First Baptist Church of Alexandria for many years, teaching children’s Sunday School and participating in Women’s Ministries. She was also a member of The Gideons International Auxiliary. She loved to read, listen to gospel music, follow Twins baseball and spend time with family. Lorraine was a "behind the scenes" woman who faithfully supported and loved her husband and family.
Lorraine is survived by her children, Joyce (John) Cordes of Henning, Janet (Doug) Lundstrom of Owatonna, Judy (Rod) Skramstad of Alexandria, Jim (Diana) Swedberg of Alexandria, Jon (Karen) Swedberg of Marina, CA, Jerry (Lynette) Swedberg of Alexandria; 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Lucille Larson and Eunice Swedberg, both of Battle Lake; several cousins and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle; an infant daughter, JoAnn Lucille; her parents, and brothers-in-law, Roy Mekalson, Robert Swedberg and Art Larson.
Visitation will be at the Alexandria Covenant Church on Saturday, February 14, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Roland Mossberg officiating.
Memorials are preferred to Gideons International.
Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.