Lorraine ""Larry"" Schlauderaff

Lorraine ""Larry"" Schlauderaff, age 87, of Litchfield died on Sunday, February 3, 2013, at the Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 8, 2013, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM on Friday at the Church. Interment will be in the Lake Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield on Saturday, February 9, 2013, at 11:00 AM. Lorraine Esther Alice Kuhlmann was born on a Lester Prairie farm home on September 21, 1925. Parents of Lorraine were Arthur and Myrtle nee Formahls. Lorraine, known as Larry, graduated from Lester Prairie High School, and received her education as a primary grade school teacher from Miss Woods of Minneapolis, now affiliated with Macalester College. She taught for the Bird Island and New Ulm school districts. Throughout her life, she continued to be a teacher. In addition to teaching primary school and substituting for various grades over the years, Larry taught Sunday School and other religious education programs for over 45 years. Larry married Pete (LeRoy) Schlauderaff in June of 1948. During their marriage, they were blessed with five children and an abundance of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their family was the central focus of their lives and their home was always active. Larry loved guests, both family and friends– she enjoyed hanging out on the beach, making a great meatloaf or potato salad, creating incredible appetizers and talking about politics or religion. Larry loved being a homemaker and was an excellent cook. She took pride in her homes in Glenview Woods (Glencoe) and at Lake Minnebelle (Litchfield), was a skilled interior decorator, stylish dresser and a wonderful hostess. Pete and Larry had some incredible gatherings at their home. They both enjoy people, conversation and laughter. Over their 65 years of marriage, Pete and Larry shared a strong love and the spirit of adventure. They traveled internationally many times and were always on the move. They were both active in their church and their community, both in Glencoe and in Litchfield. Included in Larry's many community accomplishments were Glencoe Bicentennial Committee Chairperson, Community Education organizer, Litchfield Organic Food Co-op leader, Southwest Humanities and Arts Council Board member and Luther Coalition for Public Policy member. She was also a member of General Federated Women's Club, as well as many other church, social and academic clubs. Larry was also exceptionally proud of being a part of the founding group for Anderson Gardens, an endeavor she holds special in her heart. In addition to contributing to all of her husband's business endeavors, Larry was a business owner too, successfully starting a retail clothing business and refurbishing several rental properties. She was also an accomplished photographer and poet. Each Christmas, she shared her latest ""publication"" including a cookbook, book of poetry or her collection of expressions. Larry left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was fearless, smart and interesting – and loved hats. She was never afraid to ask difficult questions or try something new. Larry had a ""generation-less"" approach to life and took pride in being ""young"". She embraced life and strived to live life BIG – she wasn't afraid to dream big dreams and usually made them happen. Larry's uniqueness in life gave her strength and her love of the Lord gave her courage. It was a fabulous combination and she was a fabulous woman. She was survived by her husband, L.H. (Pete) Schlauderaff of Litchfield; five children, Mary Malone of Minnetonka, John (and Beth) Schlauderaff of Litchfield, Lynn (and Doug) Stuewe of Glencoe, Sara Schlauderaff of Forest Lake and Charlie Schlauderaff of Litchfield; thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Ken Kuhlmann. Previous Events Visitation Thursday, February 7, 2013 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Friday, February 8, 2013 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, February 9, 2013 11:00 AM Riplely Cemetery 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355