Lorraine Laura Sawatzky

Lorraine Laura Sawatzky,  age 92, of Madelia, MN died on April 25, 2024, at Living Meadows at Luther in Madelia.

A private family graveside ceremony will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia.

Lorraine Laura (Knickrehm) Snyder Sawatzky age 92, went to Heaven on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Living Meadows Nursing Home in Madelia, MN. Lorraine was born March 13, 1932 on the family farm near St. James, MN to Carl and Laura (Lange) Knickrehm. She attended country school through 9th grade until leaving to help run the family farm. She married Charles Snyder of Madelia, MN on March 10, 1951 in Denver, Co, where he was stationed in the United States Air Force. The Air Force took them to Spokane, WA, Austin, TX, and Albany, GA before returning to Madelia in 1954. They lived and raised their two daughters Kathyanne and Jeanne in Madelia until Charles passed away in March 1977. Lorraine married Donald Sawatzky on November 9, 1979. They lived in Darfur and Madelia until Don passed away in March 1992.

Lorraine lived the rest of her life in Madelia.

In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and gardening. She was an avid sewer, creating clothes for herself, her girls, and their dolls. She created purses and quilts and embroidered many dish towels as gifts for family and friends. She also made handbags for Home Health. Lorraine enjoyed baking and often shared her cookies with family, neighbors and friends. She had a love for animals, especially cats which were her companions for many years. She was a devoted Christian and lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James, MN.

Lorraine was a homemaker until she went to work at Lee’s Cleaners and later Culligan in Madelia as an administrative assistant until retiring at age 70 after thirty years of service. Upon retirement, she devoted her time volunteering at Madelia Enterprise Thrift Shop over the next several years. Lorraine loved spending time with her family, hosting holiday meals and sleepovers with her grandchildren, reading stories and sharing bedtime treats.

Lorraine is survived by daughters, Kathyanne Halverson and Jeanne (Bill) McMullen, both of Madelia, sister Elaine (Don) Henze of Mountain Lake, four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, stepchildren Nettie and Darren Sawatzky and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, two husbands, grandson Christopher McMullen and son-in-law Jeff Halverson. Lorraine was loved by her family and many friends and will be dearly missed.

The family requests any donations to be made to Living Meadows Nursing Home, Mayo Hospice or the Watonwan County Humane Society.