Loraine A. Menke

LORAINE AMANDA MENKE, age 98, passed away on the morning of Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Mount Olivet Care Center in Minneapolis.

Loraine was born in Janesville on July 9, 1927, to parents August and Albertine (Abraham) Krienke. She grew up on a farm outside of Janesville, MN and she attended school in Janesville. Throughout her life, Loraine was a capable, practical, resilient, and steady presence. She was curious, an avid reader, and had wide interests. Despite her formal education ending at eighth grade, she was self-taught in many areas. She met the man that would become her husband through Rural Youth (a MN Extension organization) and on February 24, 1957, she was united in marriage to Lowell Gehring Menke at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. They settled in on the farmstead outside of Waseca where she would live for the next 65 years. Along with running a household and raising three kids, she was an active participant on their farm – milking cows, driving tractors, and feeding livestock. Having had “no love affair with the cow” she was not sad to see the dairy herd sold in 1980 after which she assisted Lowell in developing a badge and trophy business. She was fully involved in the production process. Widowed in 1990, she continued to live alone on the farm while continuing to work with the badge and trophy business until age 85. She finally moved from the farm to live with her daughter, Linda, in Champlin when she was 95. Even then, up until the last month or so, she was climbing stairs, getting around with her walker, getting out occasionally to shop or dine out, and taking care of her own finances. She was a fighter. Two years ago, she broke her hip and came back to continue the same activities as before the break.

Loraine participated in several clubs throughout her life including Rural Youth Extension Clubs, Rock Club, Square Dance Club, and Birthday Club. She loved playing cards (especially Pfeffer), square dancing, rock hounding, travelling, camping, reading, and socializing with family and friends. She was a good listener and friend and maintained many of her friendships throughout her lifetime. She was involved in many aspects of church life at St. John Lutheran in Waseca where she attended church since the time of her marriage. She participated in Circle, WELCA gatherings, and various bible study groups. Her faith was particularly important to her, and she rarely missed attending Sunday Service. Recently through the marvels of technology she watched services where her son, Lloyd, and grandson, Joshua presided, as well as services from St. John.

Loraine was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell, and her parents. She is survived by her son, Lloyd (Gaye) Menke of Hastings, MN; daughter Loretta (Peter Skjervold) Menke of Minneapolis, MN; and daughter Linda Long (partner Chas Bruder) of Champlin, MN; four grandchildren, Joshua (Sarah) Menke, Katherine (Jens Englemann) Menke, Madeline Skjervold, and Olivia (Conner Dolezal) Skjervold; and two great-grandchildren, Alma Englemann and Isaac Menke.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca, with Rev. Ashley Kuhlman and Rev. Lloyd Menke officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church. Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.