Muriel Christine Lorentzen

Muriel Christine Blomquist Lorentzen, age 93, died peacefully at Abiitan Mill City, Minneapolis, with family and staff surrounding her. Muriel was preceded in death by her parents: Manghild Larson and Harry T. Blomquist; her beloved husband: Harold Lorentzen, her son: Gary Lorentzen, her sisters-in-law and spouses: Verna (Fred) Storest, Violet (Dick) Larson, Pearl (Earl) Grave, and numerous friends including Carol (John) Freeburg, a friend since she was 4 years old. She is survived by her children: Linda Lorentzen (Joseph Hedberg) and Steven (Carol) Lorentzen, her brother-in-law Ronald (Patricia) Lorentzen, her grandchildren: Jason Lorentzen (Hannah Bascom), Jeffrey Lorentzen, Eric Lorentzen (Meredith Webster), Brian (Jennifer) Hedberg, Kristina (Chris) Anderson; her great-grandchildren: Ava and Callie Hedberg, Cole and Eily Lorentzen, Leighton and Landon Anderson. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Muriel lived most of her life in North Minneapolis. Her grandparents immigrated from Sweden and settled in the Camden area. She was baptized, confirmed, married, and raised her children at Salem Lutheran Church. Muriel was an only child and although she lived through the depression, she had no idea there were struggles. Her grandparents lived within blocks, and she often spoke of walking to their homes and retrieving the coins they saved for her in the middle of their dining room tables. In many ways, without siblings, she was raised as an adult. Muriel attended Hamilton Elementary School and Patrick Henry High School. She met her husband on a blind date set up by his friend who worked for the mortuary from which her father was buried. Harold and Muriel were married in 1952, and she inherited sisters and a brother of Harold's. Her friendship with Pearl, Harold's oldest sister, spanned close to 70 years. In 1965 Muriel begrudgingly agreed to allow Harold to build a cabin on Lake Koronis, next to Pearl and Earl's cabin. Harold promised her that she could shop in the area anytime she wanted because she didn't like the outdoors. Annette's in Paynesville became a favorite shopping destination. In 1984, Muriel became a caregiver for Harold after his Multiple Myeloma diagnosis, a role reversal from much of their lives while dealing with her debilitating Migraine headaches. He died in 1987, and she successfully navigated single life for 38 years, longer than she was married. Muriel lived in the home she and Harold built for 69 years, living within one mile of where she was raised. She became instrumental in caring for her grandchildren and they have many fond memories of crafts, games, baking, strawberry jam and garlic bread, and carting their friends to sports practices/games. In her later years she spent cherished time with her great-grandchildren. When Muriel was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, she moved to the cabin, where her daughter and son-in-law built an addition. Muriel lived in the cabin, a familiar territory, and had three wonderful caregivers: Terri, Michelle and CeCe. Once her care needs became too much, Muriel moved into Ecumen's Abiitan Mill City Memory Care Unit in Minneapolis. She lived the rest of her days surrounded by caregivers and residents that loved her and treated her with the utmost kindness. For many months, she was so happy, maybe happier than ever in her life. Having no memory can have its upsides because there are no bad memories either! Muriel's life was defined by her devotion to family, friends and her faith. Her legacy of love will live on in all her descendants. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel, followed by lunch. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Memorials are preferred to Elim Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Glen Haven Chapel 763-533-8643