Elizabeth Loewen

Elizabeth E. Loewen, age 93 of Mountain Lake, MN was gently led home by her Savior on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Windom, MN. Visitation was at Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake on Sunday, June 10 from 2-5 and 6-8 PM. Visitation resumed at the church, one hour before the funeral. The Funeral was held at 10:30 AM Monday, June 11, 2012 at First Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake. Officiating were: Pastor Elaine Kauffman, Rev. David Loewen, and Rev. Cory Stout. The organist was Lila Neufeld and the soloist was Rachel Rasmussen. The First Mennonite Women's A Cappella Choir sand as did Gene Margaret Duerksen and Lynn Stoneking. The casket bearers were: Tim Loewen, Mark Loewen, Becki Nies, Stephen Stout, Cory Stout, Brian Stout, Jeremy Stout, Christy McKinney, Wendy Parra, Frank Gorman III, Joey Rasmussen, Joshua Rasmussen, Amy Duncan, and Jennifer Rasmussen. Interment was at Mountain Lake Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.sturmfh.com. Memorials are preferred to First Mennonite Mission Society. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake. Elizabeth Elrose was born on April 22, 1919, to Bernard and Marie (Harder) Penner, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. Upon profession of faith, she was baptized and received into membership at the First Mennonite Church in Mt. Lake on May 16, 1937 by I.J. Dick. Elizabeth graduated country school as valedictorian of her class. A proficient speller, she enjoyed school and traveled by train to attended Mt. Lake German School for one year beyond the standard education of that time. Elizabeth met Peter N. Loewen through their roles in CE and on June 19, 1941, they were united in marriage. She modeled their close and wonderful marriage of 64 years until his death on January 25, 2005. Her love and patience established a peaceful, happy home which was blessed by her wisdom, understanding, and encouragement which she continued to offer her children through her faithfully written letters. She had a heart for her family and friends and was consistently cheerful and positive, seeing the best in everyone and everything. She would smile and hum and whistle as she went about her work and was never too rushed to stop and listen to those wanting her attention. Although Elizabeth enjoyed farm life immensely, when it was time to retire to town and later to Parkwood, she made the adjustment with her customary grace and joy. A fantastic gardener, Elizabeth especially enjoyed flowers. She also enjoyed bringing canned goods and baked items to county fairs. As a lifelong member of First Mennonite Church, its Mission Society and its members were an important part of her life. She is survived by four children: David Peter (JoAnn) Loewen, Farmington, MI, LaDonna Marie (Richard) Stout, Butterfield, MN, Loretta Jane (Frank) Gorman, Grand Rapids, MI, and Marjorie Elaine (Charles "Chuck") Rasmussen, Glendale, AZ; 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband; parents; and three siblings: Marie Harder, D. Alvin Penner and Walter Penner. First Visitation 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday, June 10, 2012 Sturm Funeral Home, Mountain Lake 420 10th St. N. Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Second Visitation 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sunday, June 10, 2012 Sturm Funeral Home, Mountain Lake 420 10th St. N. Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159