1924
Lorene
2011
Lorene Robertson
March 12, 1924 — August 4, 2011
Larson Funeral Home of Ortonville announces the death of Lorene Robertson, age 87 of Ortonville. Lorene passed away on Thursday, August 04, 2011 in Ortonville, MN. Memorial services will be held on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 7, 2011 from 5-7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Ortonville, visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Pastor Darrell Boe will be officiating.
With her family at her side, Lorene Augusta (McFarland) Robertson passed away on August 4, 2011 at the Ortonville hospital. Lorene was born in Alban Township, SD on March 12, 1924 to Victor and Marybelle (Donaldson) McFarland. She was raised on her family's farm, began her education at country school and, in 1942, completed high school as valedictorian at Big Stone City High School; she went on to receive her teaching degree at Northern Teacher College in Aberdeen. There, she received the formal certification to be who she was--a teacher. She began her classroom instructions at a country school, moved to Ortonville where she and her teaching colleagues formed friendships that lasted their lifetimes.
Lorene joined the United Methodist Church where she was set up by Grandma Mattie Benson with Bud (Walter). From that unlikely union, followed a marriage of 56 years and six children. She left the classroom for a time to raise her own children but never quit teaching. When her kids were a little older, she returned to the classroom. To this day, former students speak fondly of her and the impact she has had in their lives.
Ultimately, her greatest teaching responsibility was in a community and during a time when lessons of justice were needed. She confronted the prejudices toward Native Americans that her family encountered with her intelligence, her compassion, and her tolerance. She always believed that love would overcome saying, "Look at me and Papa."
Lorene was an active member of the First United Methodist Church; she brought her perspective of social justice as an UMW leader. Until the day her health prevented it, she worked tirelessly in the church kitchen, side by side with the women who were her friends.
Lorene's loves were her husband, her children and grandchildren, her cat Simba, music, reading, gardening, ice cream, sewing and crafting, and searching for the best deal. She was the quintessential grandmother, always ready with crayons, a book, a story and a hug.
Lorene is survived by her six children: John E.(Debbie) of Morton, MN, Donald (Marci) of Sacred Heart, MN, Mary Jane (David) Ward of Pine City, MN , Doyle (Greg Jeresek), Ann (Doug) Streed, Keith (Ami) of Tuscon, AZ; Grandchilren: Travis (Cindy) O'Neil, Toni O'Neil, Nicholas O'Neil, Hepi (Nikki) Robertson; Madeline, Andrew, and Grace Robertson; Abby (Joe) and Justine Ward; Jacob (Beki), Jonathan (Toni), and Mitchell Hughes; Mason Robertson. Great grandchildren: Riley, Noah, and Aidan O'Neil, Allison O'Neil, Mariah and Kaycee Wabasha, Aaron O'Neil, Nizhoni Schoen, Bryant and Ivis Robertson, Jaydon and Jackson Hughes, Kara Sanders, and Brenden Hughes; Great-great child: Aaliyah O'Neil; , her sister-in-laws Florine and Janice Robertson, cousins, and many nieces and nephews, and her beloved Simba.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter, great granddaughter, Amelia Hughes, brothers and in-laws.
In lieu of flowers, memorial preferred to Ortonville Area Health Services or First United Methodist Church in Ortonville. Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville is in charge of arrangements for Lorene Robertson. To send condolences to the family, on-line, visit our website at www.larsonfuneral.com
With her family at her side, Lorene Augusta (McFarland) Robertson passed away on August 4, 2011 at the Ortonville hospital. Lorene was born in Alban Township, SD on March 12, 1924 to Victor and Marybelle (Donaldson) McFarland. She was raised on her family's farm, began her education at country school and, in 1942, completed high school as valedictorian at Big Stone City High School; she went on to receive her teaching degree at Northern Teacher College in Aberdeen. There, she received the formal certification to be who she was--a teacher. She began her classroom instructions at a country school, moved to Ortonville where she and her teaching colleagues formed friendships that lasted their lifetimes.
Lorene joined the United Methodist Church where she was set up by Grandma Mattie Benson with Bud (Walter). From that unlikely union, followed a marriage of 56 years and six children. She left the classroom for a time to raise her own children but never quit teaching. When her kids were a little older, she returned to the classroom. To this day, former students speak fondly of her and the impact she has had in their lives.
Ultimately, her greatest teaching responsibility was in a community and during a time when lessons of justice were needed. She confronted the prejudices toward Native Americans that her family encountered with her intelligence, her compassion, and her tolerance. She always believed that love would overcome saying, "Look at me and Papa."
Lorene was an active member of the First United Methodist Church; she brought her perspective of social justice as an UMW leader. Until the day her health prevented it, she worked tirelessly in the church kitchen, side by side with the women who were her friends.
Lorene's loves were her husband, her children and grandchildren, her cat Simba, music, reading, gardening, ice cream, sewing and crafting, and searching for the best deal. She was the quintessential grandmother, always ready with crayons, a book, a story and a hug.
Lorene is survived by her six children: John E.(Debbie) of Morton, MN, Donald (Marci) of Sacred Heart, MN, Mary Jane (David) Ward of Pine City, MN , Doyle (Greg Jeresek), Ann (Doug) Streed, Keith (Ami) of Tuscon, AZ; Grandchilren: Travis (Cindy) O'Neil, Toni O'Neil, Nicholas O'Neil, Hepi (Nikki) Robertson; Madeline, Andrew, and Grace Robertson; Abby (Joe) and Justine Ward; Jacob (Beki), Jonathan (Toni), and Mitchell Hughes; Mason Robertson. Great grandchildren: Riley, Noah, and Aidan O'Neil, Allison O'Neil, Mariah and Kaycee Wabasha, Aaron O'Neil, Nizhoni Schoen, Bryant and Ivis Robertson, Jaydon and Jackson Hughes, Kara Sanders, and Brenden Hughes; Great-great child: Aaliyah O'Neil; , her sister-in-laws Florine and Janice Robertson, cousins, and many nieces and nephews, and her beloved Simba.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter, great granddaughter, Amelia Hughes, brothers and in-laws.
In lieu of flowers, memorial preferred to Ortonville Area Health Services or First United Methodist Church in Ortonville. Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville is in charge of arrangements for Lorene Robertson. To send condolences to the family, on-line, visit our website at www.larsonfuneral.com
Funeral Home
Larson Funeral Home401 NW 2nd Street
Ortonville, MN 56278