July 19, 1927 – Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Service Information
Buffalo United Methodist Church
Sunday, April 26, 2015
3:00 PM
Visitation Information
Buffalo United Methodist Church
April 26, 2015
1-3 PM
Lorraine Gloria Kurtz, 87, of Buffalo, Minnesota was promoted to heaven suddenly on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. She was born July 19, 1927, in Flora Township, Renville County, Minnesota to Frank Schafer and Bertha (Miller) Schafer. Lorraine graduated from the Danube High School in 1945 and from Viola School of Beauty in 1946.
Lorraine faithfully served her Savior, her husband, Delburn, and family in Tenny, MN, Pipestone, MN, Farmington, MN, Paynesville, MN, Mankato, MN, (while Delburn served as District Superintendent for the southwest district of the United Methodist Church) and until her homegoing, as a faithful member of the Buffalo United Methodist Church, Buffalo MN.
Lorraine’s compassionate service to others was profoundly evident to those who knew her. She served as national president of the Evangelical United Brethren Women in 1968, the year of the merger to the United Methodist Church and was one of few women elected to serve on the National General Board of Global Missions. She was passionate about the Emma Norton Residence, serving as former president of the Emma Norton Services Board and was very recently instrumental in the purchase of townhomes. She especially enjoyed quilting, receiving several recognitions for her beautiful quilts and afghans which she made for each of her grandchildren. She made the best cinnamon rolls ever.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, her 5 brothers and 1 sister, her husband of 65 years, Delburn Kurtz, and by her daughter Linda (Richard) Legare and son-in-law Daniel Clay. She is survived by her children; Donna (Barry) Padelford of Farmington, MN, Faye Clay of Lakeville, MN, Dean (Brenda) Kurtz of Watertown, WI, and Neal (Hope) Kurtz of Minneapolis MN; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at the Buffalo United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 26, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Interment is scheduled for Monday April 27, at the Olivia Cemetery, Olivia, MN at 11:00 a.m. The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo is handling arrangements. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Lorraine has requested that all donations be given to the Emma Norton Residence and the Buffalo United Methodist Church.
Dad (Robert Maehling) was very fond of Lorraine and especially enjoyed having lunch with her and Del after Church on Sunday morning. They spoke often of losing a spouse and how to continue on. She was a sweet lady. (Dad died this past November at age 95).
Hearing of Lorraine’s passing reminded me of how Lorraine and Del brought about some of the fondest memories of our family’s life. When the Kurtz’s lived and worked in Paynesville, MN, they allowed my mother, Ramona, to perform her songs in the United Methodist Church. The Church choir was involved and a Christmas program was included. Thereafter, Ramona and her husband, Robert, began the writing/composing of ‘Where the Heart Is’, a performance celebrating the 125th anniversary of the town of Paynesville, with performances by Neil Kurtz and numerous other talented Paynesville townsfolk. The show was a success selling out the old high school gym all three nights.
On another note, Del blessed my wife and I in marriage, as well as baptized our son, Grant.
The Olsen’s send their love and prayers.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! We hold fond memories of both Delbert and Lorraine! Even our kids remember how caring and fun they both were! May she rest in peace!
During her lifetime, your mother touched many lives in different places in Minnesota. She touched my life by planning and implementing the Miller family reunions. My grandmother (Helena) was a Miller.
Thinking of you at this difficult time. May your warm memories ease your sorrow.