General Information
Full Name: Lorraine Sobiech
Date of Birth: September 30, 1915
Date of Death: January 16, 2014
Lorraine’s life story
Lorraine Emma Sobiech
At the age of 98, Lorraine Emma Sobiech entered the eternal arms of God, on Thursday morning of January 16, 2014, at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Sunday, January 19 at 3 pm, with visitation starting at 1:30 pm, all at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 100 6th Street West, Jordan. Pastor Jeremy Glowicki will preside. Lorraine will be laid to rest next to her husband at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan.
On September 30, 1915 in St. Lawrence Township, MN, Lorraine was born to parents Charles and Catherine (Ricklick) Kerkow. One of four children, Lorraine’s childhood years were spent growing up in St. Lawrence Township, where she attended school.
Back in the day, woman helped out on farms, taking care of the house chores and children. While working on a farm in Cologne, Lorraine met a young man, William “Bill” Paul Sobiech. Four years later, they exchanged wedding vows on May 26, 1936, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Parsonage. Shortly after Lorraine and Bill were married, they moved to Carver and worked on a dairy farm. For 12 years, Lorraine cooked for the 25 hired men, while Bill farmed. Farming defiantly was in their blood, so Lorraine and Bill farmed their own 432 acre farm for two years, before leaving due to illness.
Lorraine and Bill then moved to Jordan in 1945. She first started working as a waitress in Jordan cafes and around the area. In 1956, Lorraine began working at Radermacher’s Foods for Roman Radermacher. In her words she said, “Along with the rest of the inventory of cans on the shelf.” She enjoyed working there for 40 plus years. Lorraine especially enjoyed her retirement, because Bill sold his precious Ford tractors, finally leaving her #1 in Bill’s life.
Having no children, Lorraine and Bill did have a foster son, Sandy, who was with them for 2 years, while farming, until he joined the Army at the age of 17. Since retirement they stayed plenty busy. They enjoyed playing Sheep Head and later preferring the slots at the casino playing Deuces and Sevens. Lorraine and Bill also enjoyed the outdoors and fishing. She enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Twins, especially Joe Mauer and the Jordan Brewers.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Lorraine and Bill were devoted members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. On June 15, 2002, Lorraine’s life changed with the passing of Bill. They celebrated 66 years of marriage.
Always well dressed, especially with earrings, Lorraine will be missed for her feisty personality and her knack for taking charge. Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Lorraine; brother-in-law, George Sobiech of Royalton; loving nieces, nephews and devoted friends.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill”; parents; brothers, Bob Kerkow, Harold Kerkow and Ruth Hammach.
Pall bearers for Lorraine will be Terry Morlock, Gene Martin, Walter Sobieck, Ricky Kerkow, Rob Sobiech and Ron Beckman.
The Sobiech family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jordan Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Sunday, January 19, 2014, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Address: 100 6th Street West
Jordan, MN 55352
Service Information
When: Sunday, January 19, 2014, 3:00 pm
Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Address: 100 6th street West
Jordan, MN
Interment
Spirit Hill Cemetery
Jordan, Minnesota