Loraine Michels

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Grace Community Church in Osage, MN.*Wear your picnic clothes, as a Celebration picnic and party of Loraine's life will follow the service at the Lions Club Park in Osage, MN. In case of rain, the Celebration will be held at the church.INTERMENT :SURVIVORS : Her husband of 70 years, William of Park Rapids, MN; daughters: Sandra (Loren) Walden of Ft. McCoy, FL and Linda (Tom) Henderson of Detroit Lakes, MN; son, Daniel (Deb) of Brooklyn Center, MN; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; 3 brothers-in-law; 4 sisters-in-law. LORAINE SMITH MICHELSFebruary 23, 1922 ~ September 5, 2011 Loraine Marjorie Smith Michels was born February 23, 1922 to Earl and Nina (George) Smith of rural Osage, MN. She attended country school north of Osage and spent her childhood surrounded by a large extended family from the Osage and Park Rapids area. In her youth, she worked as a nanny and a housekeeper for families in the Park Rapids/Osage areas. On May 29, 1941 she married William Michels of Park Rapids at St. Peter"s Catholic Church. After a brief time in Chicago and California, they settled in Park Rapids. Loraine was employed for a time at St. Joseph"s Hospital in the Dietary and Laundry departments. She also provided day-care in her home for several years. Loraine was a loving wife to William (Bill) and a loving mother to the children this marriage produced. She provided a wonderful home for her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking and shared her skills with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In retirement, Loraine and Bill enjoyed spending some winters in Florida. She and Bill enjoyed fishing the lakes of Minnesota. She loved telling the true fish tale of when she caught a 42" muskie at the age of seventy-five. For many years, Loraine enjoyed her Card Club where she made lasting friendships. She was always up to the challenge of Whist by her children and grandchildren. Loraine always made an effort to be a good neighbor and friend to others. Loraine had an amazing memory and kept the family well-informed about family history and enjoyed recalling stories and events for all. The family enjoyed her ability to make people laugh. She wasn"t afraid to laugh at herself. This was a quality that endeared her to friends and family. Loraine and Bill celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past May. Their marriage was an inspiration to many. Loraine will be sadly missed by her husband of 70 years, William of Park Rapids, MN; daughters: Sandra (Loren) Walden of Ft. McCoy, FL and Linda (Tom) Henderson of Detroit Lakes, MN; son, Daniel (Deb) of Brooklyn Center, MN; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; three brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Nina Smith; brothers: Gordon and Donald Smith; 2 infant children: Molly Jean Michels and Anthony Earl Michels.