August 15, 1931 - January 22, 2019
E. Lorraine Nilsen, age 87, formerly of Richfield, died on January 22, 2019. Longtime active member of Woodlake Lutheran Church, Friends of Ebenezer auxiliary where she ran the gift shop for many years, and former member of Minnesota Valley Woman’s Club. An avid handbell player, both at Woodlake and in Logan Avenue Basement Bells, which she founded. In 1981 Lorraine became a volunteer street-car driver at Lake Harriet for the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. She drove the streetcar that she had ridden to work before she was married. Survived by son, Morris N. Nilsen and wife, Karen; daughters, Janis Nilsen, Kirsten Rabbe and husband, Joel, and Dawn Wenner and husband, Brad, “daughter” Martha Koljonen; grandchildren, Amy (Scott) Williams, Grant (Jaime) Batten, Maureen (Peter) Howell and Erica (Brian) Eide; Rev. Carl Rabbe, Liz (Randy) Knutson; David (Lasa) Wenner and Sarah Wenner; great-grandchildren, Hannah Amundson, Oliver Eide, Charlotte Eide and Yvette “Evie” Wenner; “sister,” Elizabeth “Betty” Anglin; sister-in-law, Marlys Lipari; many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, Morris A. “Mickey” Nilsen; parents, Albert and Thea Moe; sisters, Marion Sather, Myrtle Qualley, Helen Boland and Betty Katseres. The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care of the staffs of Park Nicollet Hospice, Wealshire of Bloomington and Assisted Living of Minnesota Masonic Home Bloomington.
Memorials to Woodlake Lutheran Church or Life Enrichment Dept. at Wealshire of Bloomington.
Visitation
Thursday, January 24, 2019
4:30-7:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Visitation
Friday, January 25, 2019
10:00 AM
Woodlake Lutheran Church
7525 Oliver Ave. S.,
Richfield, MN 55423
Funeral Service
Friday, January 25, 2019
11:00 AM
Woodlake Lutheran Church
7525 Oliver Ave. S.,
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Friday, January 25, 2019
Lakewood Cemetery
3600 Hennepin Ave,
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Hugs, Love & Our Deepest Sympathy.
Karen & Paul
Love and Peace to all of the Nilsen family. I am so sorry about the loss of your beautiful mother. She was a treasure and a gift to Woodlake Lutheran.
One of the hardest things in life is to lose a loved one. May “the God of all comfort” and your cherished memories bring you peace and comfort you now and in the days ahead. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. I am truly sorry for you loss.
So sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful lady. I remember her very well from Woodlake Lutheran Church. Condolences to the family.
Sending lots of love, hugs and support to you and your family Amy!!
So many wonderful memories of aunt Lorraine and the family times we spent together. Our Love to all of you as you go through this time of celebration & grief knowing that she is now with our Lord. We will be with you in thought & prayer as you go through this week. Love Bob & Gail;.
She was one great lady & very much loved by all her brothers & sisters in Christ at Woodlake Church. She will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear this! Our sincere condolences to Rick and all family members. I will let my family know also. So glad they got to know her at Woodlake Lutheran.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and your family are in our prayers. The Staff of Hope Presbyterian Church
A “Grand” lady in every sense of the word and a dear friend. You always felt comfortable in her presence. My sympathies and prayers to everyone in the family. I have missed her since moving to Arizona.
Morris, Kirsten and Dawn (didn’t know Janis)
Your parents were wonderful. Yes, we remember them, probably why you kids turned out so well.
We have super memories of all of you, your parents in church, singing the Billboard Ballad on a camping trip with Kirsten, the Planning Commission with Morris, Dawn at the fire department, many more.
They are both in a good place now. They did a fine job here.
Bob and Kathie Nelson
Morrie and family,
I’ve been on vacation and just returned to learn of your Mom.s passing. My deepest condolences, she was a gracious lady and will be missed by all. You’re a wonderful family because of her and your dad. May God bless you all.
Herb Ketcham