Lorraine C. Grabow

Lorraine Caroline Grabow, formerly of Stewart, died on Wednesday October 2, 2019 at Bethany Assisted Living in Litchfield, MN. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday October 6, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, with visitation from 1:30 to 3:00 PM Sunday at church. Burial will be at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Lorraine Caroline Proehl was born on October 21, 1924 at her family’s farm near Fernando, just south of Stewart, Minnesota. She was the fourth child born to John and Caroline (Lipke) Proehl. She was the last baby to be born in the Proehl farm house, which was built by her grandfather, Henry Proehl, in 1896. She was baptized at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fernando and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. Lorraine attended elementary grades at the local country school near Fernando. From seventh grade to graduation, she attended Stewart High School. In 1947, she was united in Marriage to David John Grabow of Renville. After marriage, they lived in rural Renville, rural Buffalo Lake, and Stewart. There were three sons born to this union: James David, Robert John, and Dean Steven. Following graduation from Stewart High School, Lorraine worked briefly at the First State Bank of Stewart, then at the State Bank of Buffalo Lake for 29 years. She was active in the life of her church, having been a Sunday School teacher, member of a women’s Bible Study group, and a member of the cemetery board. She could always be counted on to supply delicious loaves of bread or a fresh pie for bake sales. She also served on the Board of the Buffalo Lake Nursing Home and the Stewart City Council. Lorraine enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, playing cards, and good conversation. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed many wonderful meals at her homes and can attest to her skills as a cook and baker. Her Faith was very important to her and guided her life from beginning to end. Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, James (Virginia) of Madison Lake, Robert (Carol) of Carollton TX, and Dean (Joan) of Litchfield. Grandchildren Paul (Beth) Grabow and children Ryan, Alison, & Hailey of Lakevillle, MN and Amy Grabow and Karlee of Lakeville, Jared Grabow (Nicole) and expected baby girl (Feb. 2020) of Dallas, TX, Robby (Karen) Grabow & children Rachel, Heidi & David of Orlando, FL, John Grabow & sons Max & Sam of Litchfield, Michael (Kathy) Grabow & children Caroline, Henry & James of Litchfield, Joy (Lyle) Olberding & children Evelyn, Stella, Ruthie, & Walter of Delano, and Annie (Chris) Patten & children Molly, Edward, Vincent, & Jane of Litchfield. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Merle Smith and Hellen Grabow of Renville and numerous nieces and nephews. Her special life-long friend, Vera Bents, also survives Lorraine. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband David in 1982, brother Arnold Proehl, sisters Dorothy, (who died in infancy) and Delores Elizabeth Quinn.