Lorraine Kantrud

1923 - 2025

Lorraine (Toso) Kantrud died peacefully at PioneerCare on Oct. 29, 2025, in the presence of her children, at the age of 102.
Lorraine's life began "way back in the woods" of Otter Tail County, in Maplewood, on Sept. 18, 1923. Born to Conrad and Elizabeth (Muchow) Toso, Lorraine was the fifth child of nine, found on the kitchen floor of the family's two-room home by her papa when he returned home with the midwife anticipating her birth.
Lorraine's early childhood was spent in Maplewood, with her adolescence spent in Erhard before attending high school in Fergus Falls. She married Harley Kantrud on April 5, 1942, at Bagstevold Lutheran Church in Erhard, and traversed the country with her family, including she and Harley's four children, always returning to settle in Fergus Falls.
Cherishing her time as a stay-at-home mother, Lorraine did volunteer work and odd jobs when she had time, fully returning to the workforce only when her youngest child was in school, after finding herself as the coach of a youth baseball team that won the championship game, working for the Fergus Falls school district for 15 years. When the time came, Lorraine hated to retire, but did so with the same positive energy she brought to all facets of her life.
Lorraine's faith and family were of the utmost importance to her, and she spent many years building meaningful relationships that have cemented her in the hearts of those who love her for all time. From golf outings to dancing and the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, Lorraine was a constant smile and pillar of support. In her later years, she was very proud of her independence, living in her own apartment until the summer of 2025, not long before her 102nd birthday.
Preceding Lorraine in death are her husband, Harley Kantrud; parents, Conrad and Elizabeth (Muchow) Toso; son, David Kantrud; siblings, Mildred (Toso) Hogenson, Kenneth Toso, Luella (Toso) Johnson, Dorothy (Toso) Williams, Norman Toso, Eugene Toso, Donald Toso, H. Richard Toso; daughter-in-law, Karen Kantrud; son-in-law, Mike Dahl.
She is survived by her children, Larry Kantrud, Kathryn Dahl, Jane (Scott) Anderson; daughter-in-law, Becky Kantrud; grandchildren, Kari Mobraten, Kelly Bolton, Heidi (Chris) Knutson, Jessi (Doug) Mithun, Molly Dahl, Amber (Mike) Evans, Matthew (Kasey Jo) Anderson, Ryan (Heather) Kantrud, Katie (Ashley) Kantrud; several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service for Lorraine will take place at First Lutheran Church on Nov. 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service and refreshments following. A graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran North Cemetery.
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to olsonfuneralhome.com.