Loraine S. Edmundson

VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE

Loraine S. Edmundson, of Garretson, died peacefully Dec.17, 2011 surrounded by the love of her family. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7:00 P.M. Monday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Loraine Sandra Edmundson, daughter of Nead and Emma (Stensland) Phillips was born April 6, 1921 at Garretson, South Dakota. She grew up and received her education at Sunny Slope School #136 and graduated from Garretson High School in 1939.

Loraine attended Eastern State Normal Teachers College for two years. While there she worked as an assistant in the Art Department, teaching art in the training schools and worked in the library. She also was the Queen of the Winter Prom in 1943 and represented the college at the Mardi Gras in Sioux Falls. Following her education, she taught school at Garretson, Flandreau and Howard.

Loraine married Lt.JG Stanley G. Gilman at Garretson on August 26, 1945. Two children, Philip and Nancy Jo, were born to them. Stanley died March 16, 1959. In September 1960, she married Milton G. Edmundson at Garretson.

Loraine was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she was an assistant Sunday school teacher and taught vacation bible school. She was an active member of parents’ class, Ladies Aid, Circle, and bible study. She was active in 4-H Club work, serving as a leader and was a member of a three generation 4-H family. She organized the Palisade Lassie Home Extension Club and was honored for belonging for 50 years with Home Extension Clubs.

Loraine worked at Palisade Manor Nursing Home as a CNA and belonged to their auxiliary and helped with bingo. She and her husband, Milt, have been active members of the Garretson Senior Citizens, RSVP, the Nutrition Program and Meals on Wheels. She was an avid antiques collector and did refinishing of furniture. They did flea markets, craft shows, and the Brookings Arts and Crafts Festival.

Loraine was an avid antique doll collector. As a member of the Minnehaha Dollers of SD and UFDC, she served as secretary and club historian (keeping a scrapbook). She gave programs about bears and dolls at various organizations.

Loraine was interested in family genealogy. She made album scrapbooks for the family and wrote life histories of herself and family. In 1989, she and her husband volunteered their time and talent for the South Dakota Centennial Celebration in Minnehaha County. She was awarded a certificate for their work with the Senior Citizen’s “A Day in the Country.” She was a member of the Garretson Historical Museum and an active member of the Garretson Historical Society, serving as a board member. She wrote many articles for the published Garretson Centennial Book in 1989. She has enjoyed having her antiques and collectibles on display at the museum. During the centennial, she had a display of antiques and dolls at the Senior Center. Upon retirement, she and her husband wintered in Arizona for eleven years.

Loraine died peacefully December 17, 2011, at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, surrounded by the love of her family at the age of 90.

Survivors include her husband, Milton; children: Philip (Ann) Gilman and Nancy Larsen; three grandchildren; 2 sisters in law: Carol Braa and Marjorie Lamp; a brother in law, Robert Gilman; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; parents, Nead and Emma; brother, Vernus and his wife, Edna; a nephew, George Philips; a brother in law, Kermit; and Milton's parents.