Lorraine Johnson

Dates

October 26, 1926 - March 6, 2023

Obituary

Lorraine Johnson, 96, of Spring Grove, MN, died Monday, March 6, 2023, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Lorraine Rosale Freidel was born on October 26, 1926, near Dimock, SD, to Joseph and Mary (Bruske) Freidel. During her childhood, she attended country school and graduated from Ethan High School. On May 3, 1946, she married John Johnson. They raised their family in the Mitchell and Ethan, SD area. In 2006 they moved to Spring Grove, MN. The couple enjoyed taking drives together and vacationing in the Black Hills.

Lorraine devoted her life to taking care of her family and lived her life helping others. She was a member of The United Methodist Church in Ethan. She cleaned the church for many years. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, friends, and large extended family. Because of her acts of kindness and compassion, she truly was a blessing to all who knew her. She was smart, funny, and gave wise advice. She loved to cook, bake, and enjoyed playing cards and games.

Lorraine is survived by her children: Julie Stranger of Mitchell, SD, Mari Jo (Courtney) Clark of Binghamton, NY, Laurice (Mona) Johnson of Rapid City, SD, Lisa (John) Gulbranson of La Crescent, MN, and Amy (Alan) Frydenlund of Spring Grove, MN; sister, Lucille Norwick of Sioux Falls, SD; her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many dear nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, John; two sons, Joseph and Roland; her parents; one granddaughter, Nicole; one grandson, Clint; one great-granddaughter, Miriam; one great-grandson, Eric; brothers, Leonard Freidel and Laurice Freidel; sister, Laurie Tobin; one nephew, Brian Freidel; two nieces, Belinda Freidel and Tina Norwick; sister-in-law, Ramona Freidel; brother-in-law, John (Jim) Tobin; and son-in-law, Brad Boese.

Service

Date
Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Time
11:00 AM

Location
Black Hills National Cemetery
20901 Pleasant Valley Drive
Sturgis, SD 57785

Cemetery

Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, SD

Posted by Barbara (Bruske) Mecham on March 20, 2023

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my wonderful cousin Lorraine. Her mother Mary (Bruske) Freidel was my father, Mike's sister. I will always remember fun sleepovers with my cousin Julie in Mithchell. Lorraine & John were always so welcoming, hospitable & fun. I loved sitting at the table with the Johnson family. My first memory of Lorraine was at her sister Laurie's wedding dance in Ethan. She looked absolutely stunning in a beautiful blue chiffon dress as she & John danced across the floor. I can still see it very clearly in my mind. Lorraine was a fun loving, caring & very wise person. I could always count on her pearls of wisdom. She loved people & cared so much for her family. She had such a keen mind/memory & I could always count on her for detailed family history. When my husband Bill & I would vIsit family in Ethan, we loved stopping by to see Lorraine & John. They always welcomed us with open arms. I have been so inspired by her dedication in caring for her son, Roland. She will always remain as one of my very favorite cousins & I look forward to seeing you in heaven one day, lovely Lorraine.
May you Rest in Peace dear cousin.
With Love & Deepest Sympathy, Cousin Barb & Bill

Posted by Gary and Mary Stadlman on March 9, 2023

Lorraine’s family, we were neighbors to Joe and Mary so we saw your mom a lot, she took pretty good care of them, John and Lorraine were the best people, always a wave and a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, today and the difficult days ahead. The old neighborhood just isn’t the same.

Posted by Kenny Norwick on March 8, 2023

I am beyond sorry for my cousins and can’t even pretend to know how you feel or find the right words to bring you comfort at this time. Lorraine was truly a one of a kind person, mother, grandmother and to me aunt. She always cared for others and helped so many expecting nothing in return. I’ll never forget all she did for me and my family, her bond as a sister with my mom and how Lorraine helped encourage me to go after my dreams and that doing so wasn’t selfish. There are so many words of advice & support my Aunt Lorraine gave me that I look back on often for inspiration, there are so many laughs and good memories of our families together & Lorraine was always the centerpiece of those times together. Priceless memories that while we are all gravely sad we won’t be able to make more of, we all know we lived better lives and are better people for having Lorraine in our lives. Lorraine was to me the best Aunt ever, I looked up to her and my Mom as sort of superhero Moms that were indestructible. Lorraine lived 96 years, making us laugh, warming our hearts and just being her wonderful one of a kind self. It might be selfish saying 96 years is not enough, we will miss her terribly, but I also know I can do my best to always live by advice she gave me as she truly cared for me and I’ll always keep her memory in my heart. To my cousins, I am so thankful I have you and I am so sorry you lost your Mom. Love you!

Posted by Tammy Morgan on March 7, 2023

I’m so sorry to hear about Lorraine! Thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers.