Lorraine Henrietta Soldo, age 88 of Prior Lake, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2016 while surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10:00AM with a visitation from 9-10:00AM all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4625 W 125th St., Savage. Lorraine will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in St. Cloud. Pallbearers will be Terry Soldo, Buddy Soldo, Joshua Soldo, Jean-Marc Johnson, Tim Jansen, and Duane Johnson. Father Mike Tix will preside.
On September 23, 1928 in St. Joseph, Minnesota, Bertha and Joseph Lauer celebrated the birth of their daughter, Lorraine Henrietta Lauer. She was the seventh of nine children. Being raised on the family farm during the Great Depression taught Lorraine many life lessons. Together, the family worked tirelessly to raise enough food to sustain themselves. Lorraine even left school to work and help support the family financially.
Despite the hardship of the Great Depression, Lorraine’s family always extended their hospitality to strangers and others who were struggling. A generous, determined spirit was instilled in Lorraine. When times became easier, Lorraine finished her high school education and continued working. She held a variety of jobs and often worked alongside her brother in his business ventures.
Lorraine’s dedication extended beyond her work. She was a loving, committed mother to her five children. Hosting family gatherings and creating unforgettable holiday memories were just a few ways Lorraine expressed her passion and love. She was a wonderful entertainer and well known for her famous German/Italian cooking, not to mention her incredible desserts. As a mother, Lorraine gave all she could to her children. Two things defined Lorraine’s life— Family and Sacrifice. She was a devout mother who was passionate about putting her family first. Throughout her life, she also relied on her faith to guide her, and found peace in salvation through Jesus.
In her final days, Lorraine’s family celebrated Thanksgiving early as Lorraine wished to make the turkey and stuffing one last time. Lorraine’s love and hospitality will be greatly missed by her children, Terry (Debbie) Soldo, Buddy (Toni) Soldo, Desiree Soldo, Michelle Soldo and Lisa (Duane) Johnson; grandchildren, Warren (Jennifer) Soldo, Adam Soldo, Ben Soldo, Zachary Soldo, Joseph Soldo, Joshua (Shannon) Soldo, Hailey (Denver Stueve) Soldo, Venessa (Spencer) Jones, Jason (Barbara) Soldo, Alexia (BJ) Skoog, Jean-Marc Johnson, Isabella Johnson; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; six grand dogs; and many other loving friends and relatives. There to greet Lorraine in heaven is her granddaughter, Francesca Soldo; her parents, Bertha and Joseph; siblings, Willard Lauer, Genevive Doolittle, Arthur Lauer, Viola Moore, Clarence Lauer, Valentine Lauer, Josephine Jansen and Joseph Lauer.
