Lorraine Danielson

Lorraine Mary Ann Danielson, 101, of New London, died Monday, April 14th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her funeral service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 26th at Bethesda Grand Chapel in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service. Burial will be at Lake Florida Mission Covenant Cemetery in rural New London. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Lorraine Mary Ann Danielson was born September 18, 1923, to Walter and Anna (Nordstrom) Fremberg on the Fremberg family farm in New London Township.  She was the oldest child of Walter and Anna and would be joined by sisters Maxine, Darlene and brother, James in the years to follow.  When Lorraine was school age, she went to District 8 near Bear Lake, but she spoke only Swedish as she had refused to learn the English her mother tried to teach her.  She brought home whooping cough which nearly killed her infant sister, Darlene.  As a result, the doctor advised her parents keep her home until the following year, at which time she again attended District 8 along with sister, Maxine, who was only 4 1/2 at the time.   Lorraine and Maxine continued their educational years together going on to High School at ‘Old Grey” in New London, graduating in 1942.  While in high school Lorraine played clarinet in the New London band.  She completed confirmation studies at Lebanon Lutheran Church and was active in youth activities including choir and musical ensembles. Following high school, Lorraine went on to nurses training at Northwestern Hospital, graduating in 1945.  She then began work at Rice Hospital as an R.N.

On August 2, 1947, Lorraine married Donald W. Danielson at the Lebanon Lutheran Church; they made their home in Willmar.  Lorraine continued to work at Rice Memorial Hospital until her youngest daughter, Carol was born.

In 1959, Donald and Lorraine bought the farm on the east side of Swenson Lake.  Having experience helping her father on the Fremberg farm, Lorraine was an active partner in farming from caring for the animals, to making meals, and running “a little mid-day lunch” out to the field in the ‘67 Chevy.  In 1964, the barn went down in a storm and although repairs were made and they continued to raise livestock, this event marked the beginning of the end of dairy farming.  However, her love for the farm endured. 

Lorraine believed in Jesus as her Savior.  She loved to spend time in Bible Study with others as well as many hours of personal study through reading and listening to Bible teaching on the radio or by recordings. She taught Sunday School for many years while attending the New London Covenant Church and in her later years while attending Living Hope Church, she hosted weekly Bible Studies in her home. As eyesight grew dim, and memory became a challenge, she never lost her love for the Word. 

Lorraine was an example of true feminine strength demonstrated with grace and dignity as she honored Jesus through steadfast service to her family, her church community and extending kindness to those around her.

Lorraine passed away Monday, April 14, 2025 at the age of 101 years, six months, twenty-six days. She is survived by: Deb and Don Schmitzerle; Carol Danielson; Lynnette Danielson; Nathan and Tracy Danielson, Olivia (Collin Jones), Grace, Aubrey, Juliet, and Claire; Eric and Amy Danielson, Sophia, Caleb, Matthew and Ayla; Joel and Amy Danielson, William and Susannah; Jedd and Callie Danielson, Griffin; Megan and Doug Orlowski, Madelyn and Danielle; Michael and Hannah Danielson, Graham, Isla and Millie; Grant and Jenna Schmitzerle

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son, Gary; parents; sisters, Maxine Peterson and Darlene Wearda; brother, James and family (Gloria, Patty, David, Douglas).

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