Lois L. Bertrand

            Lois Lorraine (Carlton) Bertrand passed away on October 21, 2020 at Castle Ridge Care Center in Eden Prairie, MN.

            She was born July 9, 1935 in St. Paul, MN to Stuart Carlton and Lorraine (Ofelt) Carlton, Swedish immigrants. Following graduation from Monroe High School in St. Paul, she worked at Schuneman’s Shoe Store and was soon united in marriage to Eugene Bertrand on January 14, 1955. They settled in the St. Paul area where they started a family. Eventually, they moved to Osage, MN, and lived on a farm. She was a housewife who loved the outdoors and the animals she helped raise. She loved to garden and can vegetables. She attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN and was very active singing in the women's choir, ringing choir bells, attending bible studies, and helping to clean the church. On July 20, 1985 her husband Eugene passed away. She began working at the Catholic Rectory for Father Regnier, Father Reid, and Father Rick while volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She also worked at the Osage Community Center serving meals, cleaning, and as an election judge.   

            Lois also enjoyed puzzles, sewing, garage sales, reading, spending time with family, and traveling. She will be also remembered for her amazing baking skills, hard work, her resourcefulness, her great smile, and love of coffee and treats.

            With her five kids gone from the nest, she decided to downsize and move to a home on Straight Lake in Osage, MN, a dream of hers. Many years later, Lois relocated to Hutchinson, MN to be closer to family.  As Lois got older, she lived in assisted living facilities until her passing.

            She is preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Lorraine Carlton, her husband Eugene Bertrand, and her son-in-law Gary Myers. She is survived by her sons: Mike Bertrand and Jerry (Lori) Bertrand; her daughters: Barb Myers (Dick Harden), Debbie (Kevin) Stirtz and Sue (Bryan) Joedeman; her grandchildren: Shawn, Ashley, Lisa, Katie, Jodi, Greg, Karee, Emily, Alex, and Andrew; and her great-grandchildren: Nico, Grace, Bennett, and Brooks.

            A small private service was held in her honor in Park Rapids.