Lorraine Charlotte Carlson, 86, of Fertile, MN, formerly of Beltrami, MN, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Riverview Care Center, Crookston, MN. She was born March 24, 1924, in Crookston, to Fred and Mary (Zeibeck) Heidrich. She attended Crookston High School, graduating in 1942.
On April 21, 1945, Lorraine was united in marriage to Ray Carlson at First Presbyterian Church, Crookston. They made their home on the family farm north of Beltrami. Lorraine started her career as an operator for North Western Bell Telephone Co., and then concentrated her efforts as mother and farmwife. After her boys entered school she worked as a sales clerk for Sears and Roebuck later moving to Ben Franklin. In 1989, Ray and Lorraine moved to Northwood, ND. After Ray passed away in 1992, Lorraine followed family to Fertile, MN in 1993. She was well known for the pies she baked at Eats and Antiques Restaurant. Lorraine entered Riverview Care Center October 2010. Riverview's staff blessed her with their wonderful care. Hospice of the Red River Valley complimented her care as Lorraine's cancer progressed.
Lorraine had a secure faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of Beltrami United Methodist Church. Her church family was near and dear to her heart. Actively involved in the Beltrami United Methodist Women's society, engaged in serving, quilting and spending time with other Christian women. Lorraine lived an active life, camping, traveling, sewing, embroidering, baking, gardening, playing cards, cooking meals and mowing her own lawn with a push mower well into her 80's. At times she could be extremely independent, determined to accomplishing things on her own. With a laugh, genuine smile, and twinkle in her eye, she always let others know exactly what she thought. Lorraine truly enjoyed gatherings and being surrounded by family. She was very intentional with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lorraine is survived by her son, Dwain (Gail) Carlson, Warroad, MN; two daughters-in-law: Connie (Dan) Korynta, Grand Forks, ND and Peggy (Don) Gallagher, Crookston; grandchildren: Scott and Shane Carlson, Warroad; Luke (Reinette) Carlson, Woodland, CA; Lorrie (Tim) Prosje, Crookston; Joshua (Jennifer) Carlson, The Woodlands, TX; Joy (Bill) Dale, Moorhead, MN; Anna Carlson, Crookston; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Proceeded in death by her husband, Ray (1992), two sons, Gary (1997) and Donald (2000), two brothers, Otto Heidrich and Carl Heidrich, and one sister, Kathryn Yuergens.
Funeral Service held
10:30 AM, Saturday, March 19, 2011
United Methodist Church
Beltrami, Minnesota

Pastor Grant Speece, Officiating
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 40:12-31, Ecclesiastics 3:1-15
John 14:1-3, 18-19, 25-27

Susan Neufeld, Organist

Congregational Hymns
#314 "Amazing Grace"
#378 "In The Garden"

Wendie Hasler, Soloist
"How Great Thou Art"
"I Can Only Imagine"

Active Pallbearers
Scott Carlson Shane Carlson
Luke Carlson Lorrie Prosje
Joshua Carlson Joy Dale Anna Carlson

Interment
Fairview Cemetery
Beltrami, Minnesota
In the spring.