Lorraine Sweep, age 72, of Bejou, MN, died Saturday, November 21, 2015, at the Twin Valley Living Center in Twin Valley, MN.

Lorraine Dahl, daughter of Obert and Ovidia (Morvig) Dahl, was born December 20, 1942, in Fertile, MN. She grew up in the Bejou area where she attended school. Lorraine graduated from Mahnomen High School, after which, she worked on the family farm. Lorraine also helped care for her younger siblings, all brothers until at last sisters came along. Of course, the day her first sister was born (April 1 ^st ) Lorraine didn't believe her dad that she finally had a sister! Over the years, she was blessed with another sister and the three girls formed a beautiful friendship. As a young woman, Lorraine met the love of her life, Arthur Sweep, while attending a softball game. Lorraine and Art were united in marriage on December 24, 1960, in Bejou. The young couple moved to Blooming Prairie, MN, to work on a dairy farm for a time before returning to Bejou. They made their family home on a dairy and grain farm, where they proudly raised six children. Lorraine was truly active with every aspect of the farm. She was a true "farm wife" that not only took care of the children, but milked the cows and helped with the crops as well. Later in life, Lorraine worked at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, MN.   Lorraine remained on the farm following Art's death in 2010 but failing health required her to enter the Twin Valley Living Center.

All of Lorraine's favorite things involved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the happiest when she was surrounded by family. She loved to play games especially Checkers, Life on the Farm and card games, taking great pride in beating Dave and Darrell at Whist. She also enjoyed word searches, puzzles and playing Bingo in both Gary and Bejou. Lorraine was a selfless woman who cherished her family. She always put her children's needs above her own and did what she could so they could follow their dreams. She was an avid fan of their sporting and music events and often acted like a professional referee…or at least knowing the right calls in favor of her grandchildren. Another wonderful trait of Lorraine's was her ability to bake. She was an awesome baker. Her fresh buns, donuts and fuddymon cookies were always a special treat. It was well known, especially to James, that she didn't like scrambled eggs and she made delightfully playful memories with the egg shenanigans.

In their younger days, Lorraine and Art loved to dance and often attended dances with their friends. They also greatly enjoyed traveling together. Following Art's death, Lorraine appreciated spending time with her sisters and brothers. She always hosted family for 4 ^th of July fireworks and eagerly awaited the Christmas Holiday. She enthusiastically decorated each year and her house shown brilliantly with Christmas lights. Her cheerful spirit was contagious and touched all her aspects of her life. Lorraine was voted Mahnomen County Women of the Year in 1995 and was an active member of the Immanuel Church in Bejou and its ladies aide.

Those she leaves behind to cherish her memory are her children: David of Bejou, Debbie (Bill) Scott of St. Francis, MN, Darrell (Nancy) of Casselton, ND, Karen (Richard) Tadych of Fertile, MN, Karol (Wes) Mills of Byron, MN, and Kathy (Stacy) Stene of Gary, MN; 19 grandchildren: Darcy (Matt), Billy, Kyle (Sam), Mitchell, Chelsey (Andy), Mercedes, Madison, Morgan, Cal, Emily, Courtney (Doug), Ryan, Matthew, Aaron, Wesley (Jamie), Courtney, Ali, Zach, and Isaac; and 11 great-grandchildren: Jace, Kiera, Braedon, Evelynn, Charlotte, Gavin, Kaiden, Jaxyn, Patricia, Jettah, and Xavier. She is also survived by her siblings: James (Lynne), Orlan, Roger (Geraldine), Ervin (Linda), Jerry (Becky), Ron (Sheryl), Linda Dahl, Sandy Schaumburg and Don; Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Duane (Sandy) Sweep, Arlene Overdal, Jane (Kaylan) Smith, Pat Sweep, and Shirley Sweep; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those waiting to welcome her home were her husband, Art; her parents, Obert and Ovidia; one infant son, Arthur Jr.; one infant brother, Obert Jr.; a niece, Kelly; a nephew, Roger Jr., a sister-in-law; Carrie; three brothers-in-law, Mike, Dennis, and Alvin; and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services was held Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, MN. Visitation was on Friday, November 27th from 5 to 7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, MN. Interment was at Bejou City Cemetery.