Loraine H. Gray Obituary (1922 - 2017)

Loraine Helen Gray, age 94, of Menomonie, peacefully went to join Jesus her Savior on April 14, 2017 at the American Lutheran Home. Loraine was born on Oct. 16, 1922 in St. Paul, MN to Trofini and Wanda (Kretman) Olhow. She was baptized at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Dec. 17, 1922. The family moved to a hobby farm by Stacy, MN where Loraine was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church on May 31, 1936 and graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1941. She married Robert (Bob) Gray on October 31, 1942. After Bob’s retirement, they moved to Minneapolis.. She and Bob were members, greeters, and attended a Bible study group at Living Word Church. They loved walking in Central Park and enjoyed watching newly-hatched ducks and geese swim and to see nature in action. She also loved fishing, sunshine, flowers, and the smell of fresh rain. After Bob passed away, Loraine loved to go on day trips and attending garage sales with her friends. She moved to Menomonie in 2007 to be near her daughter. Loraine was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Dr. Wallace Olhow in 2003, and precious grandson Lance in 1973. Loraine is survived by three children, Kay Webb, Dan (Cindy) Gray, both of Brooklyn Center, MN, and Joy (Gary) Evenson of Boyceville; six grandchildren, Pastor Leif (Jean) Anderson of Centerville, Ohio, Natalie (Lucas) Bancroft of Fridley, MN, Mike (Amanda) Burgraff of Menomonie, Joe (Melissa) Burgraff of Hudson, Rick (Hope) Burgraff of Boyceville, and Heather Gray of Brooklyn Center; eight great grandchildren, Linnea (Brandon) Buttrey, OH, Bayley (Evan) John, MN, Annika Anderson, OH, Riley Burgraff of Menomonie; Hailey and Cally Burgraff of Hudson; and Taylor and Victoria Burgraff of Boyceville; and three great-great grandchildren, Oliver and Truly Buttrey and River John. As per her wishes, she will be cremated and buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyceville, WI when the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining. The family would especially like to thank the staff and all of Loraine’s “Beautiful Girls” for their outstanding, compassionate, and loving care they gave her at the American Lutheran Home since 2010. She loved this place and called it her home. Also very special thanks to Pastor Paul, Pastor Bob, and Hospice Chaplain Duwayne for their visits and spiritually uplifting songs, scripture readings, and prayers. Thank you to Dr. Carrie Nelson and the staff at St. Croix Hospice for the additional loving care you gave her during her last few days. The family also thanks Olson Funeral Home for their caring and professional handling of Loraine’s wishes and final arrangements.