Lorraine Steffen

Lorraine Elizabeth Steffen







"Queenie" Lorraine Elizabeth Steffen, age 90, of Crookston, MN, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 2014, at the Villa St. Vincent, with several loving family members at her side. Lorraine was born in Crookston on September 5, 1923, and was the daughter of Gordon F. and Grace (Stainbrook) Leguee. She grew up in Crookston, was baptized and confirmed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and graduated from Cathedral High School. On December 14, 1940 Lorraine was united in marriage to Charles Hugh Steffen at the Cathedral. Charles was employed by the Great Northern Railroad and the couple made their home in Crookston throughout their lives. To Charles, Lorraine was known affectionately as "Queenie", and their marriage was blessed by the births of 16 children. Devoted wife, loving mother, and busy homemaker were all accurate ways to describe Lorraine. She was dedicated to her family and kept everything calm and under control as the kids were growing up. Somehow she also found time to work at Sidney's Café for a number of years during the 1950's. In 1968 Lorraine began employment with the Polk County Public Library as a library assistant. She absolutely loved working with the patrons of the library, simply because she loved people, she loved reading, and she loved books. This was her legacy to her kids to the extent that most are avid readers to this day. Charles passed away on February 6, 1988. Lorraine appreciated all types of music, but was drawn to an eclectic mix of recordings by Pavarotti, Ricky Martin, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Tom Jones. She was an accomplished seamstress, and enjoyed doing "fancy work" throughout her life. She was an avid baseball fan and cheered on the NY Yankees through good times and bad. Lorraine loved to travel and looked forward to visiting her children around the country. She was especially thrilled to take a trip in 1971 with 3 of her daughters to England, Wales, and Greece. Lorraine was a lifelong member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish, belonged to the St. Francis Circle, and was also a longtime member of the Trainman's Auxiliary. For many years she volunteered her time to the Polk County Historical Society and formed many wonderful friendships from her time there. Lorraine's life was a blessing to her family and friends and her memory will be forever treasured. Family members include Lorraine's 15 living children: Elizabeth "Betty" Spears Miller of Chicago, IL, Katherine (William) Hulst of Crookston, MN, Michael Dean "Casey" Steffen of Crookston, Scharleen (Daniel) Obregon of Grand Forks, ND, Patrick Joseph Steffen of Oklahoma City, OK, John (Sharon) Peters of Frazee, MN, Brian Gordon Steffen of Minneapolis, MN, Lisa (John) Nuss of Fargo, ND, Rosemary Steffen of Fargo, Marguerite (Sam) Levick of Oklahoma City, Jill (Robert) Baron of Eagle, CO, Craig (Laurie) Steffen of Johnstown, CO, Rebecca Jo Steffen (Jay Howard) of Phoenix, AZ, Terence Steffen of Minneapolis, and Sara Jane Steffen of Eagen, MN; and a daughter-in-law, Susan Moore of Dallas, TX, whose husband, Mark Steffen, died on August 16, 1996. She is also survived by 36 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ardis Leguee of Crookston; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her husband, Charles, and son, Mark, Lorraine was preceded in death by a 2-year old great-granddaughter, Ashley, who died on June 17, 1989; her parents, Gordon and Grace Leguee; her parents-in-law, Hugh and Flora Steffen; brother, Gordon Dean Leguee; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Otis and Gloria Steffen, Glenna and Walt Mueller, John and Inez Wigand, Mary and Frank Clayton, Dorothy and Alfred Rasmussen, and Bernice and Floyd Ranz. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Lorraine Elizabeth Steffen will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston, at a later time. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given in Lorraine's name to Hospice of the Red River Valley or the Villa St. Vincent for special projects.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Visitation
Saturday, April 26, 2014
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Saturday, April 26, 2014

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