Lorraine Evelyn Fischer of Cambridge, formerly of Isanti, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020, at GracePointe Crossing The Gables at the age of 97. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 26th at Faith Lutheran Church, 109 2nd Ave NW, Isanti, MN 55040, with a visitation one hour prior at the church. A private family burial service was held at East Bradford Cemetery.
Lorraine was born at the family home in Dalbo Township January 18, 1923, to Thaddeus and Mabel (Westberg) Stubbs, and was delivered into this world by her beloved grandma, Mary Brooks Stubbs. Lorraine’s brother Gordon was born the following year. She attended first grade at Beehive School, and then the family moved to Hinckley. Fortunately for our family, Mabel was an avid photographer, and we were left with hundreds of photos of family memories during the Great Depression. Thad and Mabel became employed by the Minnesota Colony for Epileptics (later Cambridge State School and Hospital) in the late 1930’s, and Lorraine and Gordon remained in Hinckley to finish high school. Lorraine graduated from Hinckley High School in 1940, followed by one year of Normal Teacher’s Training.
After various jobs in Minneapolis and at the Cambridge State Hospital, Lorraine was hired as a country schoolteacher at the Sandy Knoll School in east Bradford Township. At that time, she met Wallace Fischer, and they were married January 19, 1946. To this union two children were born; Wayne in 1951 and Lynette in 1957. Lorraine was a talented homemaker, sewing nearly all the kids’ clothing and canning thousands of jars of vegetables from the family’s bountiful gardens. She was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church, where she served as LCW President and circle leader, Sunday School and VBS teacher, and member of the Greeting Card Ministry. Her favorite mission was as a member of the choir; she loved to sing and knew all the words to beloved hymns to the very end. Lorraine was also active in the community as leader of the Sandy Knoll Diggers 4-H Club, Isanti PTA where she served as President, and a volunteer with the Isanti Senior Dining site, among many others. Wally and Lorraine served as Bradford Township fire wardens for many years.
While busy with all these activities, family always came first. She would “drop everything” to go for a car ride with Wally and the kids. She was always up for a new adventure, and it didn’t matter one bit if dishes were left in the sink or the house wasn’t tidy. Because Wally suffered from a lifetime chronic illness, Lorraine knew her time with him could be limited, and her priorities were in the right place. Wally and Lorraine were part of a close-knit neighborhood in which birthdays were celebrated with a friendly card game of “smear.” The coffee was always on for anyone who dropped in. The couple enjoyed their children’s and grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events.
For over 25 years, Lorraine was employed by Reichel Bros. Grocery and Meat Market in Isanti. Even 30 years after she retired, she was still recognized as the friendly grocery store clerk. Wally was a well-known auctioneer, and on weekends Lorraine would work at clerking auctions.
After Wally’s death in 1999, Lorraine remained on the family farm until moving to Cambridge in 2003. For several years, Lorraine and Lynette lived together and took care of each other. Summer weekends were full of activities including attending clog dancing shows at festivals throughout East Central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Lorraine was the #1 fan of River City Cloggers and Clogging Premier, and the dancers considered her a part of the family.
Lorraine suffered a stroke in January of 2017, at which time she moved to GracePointe Crossing. She was a much-loved resident and participated in every activity. Lorraine had never picked up an artist’s paintbrush until she moved to GracePointe, but her new monthly painting hobby brought joy to her, her family, and all our Facebook friends.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wally, son Wayne in 2001, brother Gordon and sister-in-law Dorothy Stubbs, parents-in-law August Fischer and Winnie Fischer, brother- and sister-in law Gordon and Ruth Fischer, and nephew Norman Stubbs. She is survived by her daughter, Lynette Guderian; grandchildren Kevin (Jessica Jarvis) Fischer, Kenny Fischer, Kari (Jake) Heald, Adam Guderian, and Emilie (Vince) Allmaras; 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews Sharon (Joe) Faucette, Marilyn (Jim) Fry, Rodney (Cathy) Stubbs, and Brian (Heather) Stubbs, several cousins, and many dear friends.
The family expresses its deepest appreciation to the staff at GracePointe for treating our mom/grandma like their own.
I met Lorraine so many years ago, when I was selling Creative Circle. She had a “party” with me and also ordered things to make: cross stitch, etc
I very very nice lady
Loraine and Wally were such wonderful friends. When Ted and I moved to Isanti they took us under their wing and treated us like family. They will always have a special place in my heart.
How I remember the neighborhood birthday parties! Lynette and I often comment an how we miss those little gatherings were we kids visited and played games while our moms and dads played “smear”. I enjoyed Lorraine bats a 4-H leader and remember many meetings with her. What a joy for Lorraine to wake up Easter morning with Jesus something I know she was looking forward to. Praying for you Lynette and the grandkids as you process Lorraine’s home going and rejoice in knowing you will see her again.
Lynette, I have so many memories of sitting around your kitchen table and drinking Russian tea! Your mom was a walking encyclopedia – she knew how to do anything and everything! With a smile and a laugh, your mom and dad were so encouraging, they were always confident that we could do anything! Although I am sure they had serious doubts about me as you tried (countless times) to teach me to drive a stick shift! (I think I was 23 when I finally “got it!”)
It was great reading your mom’s bio and I love the “young sweethearts” photo of your mom and dad…just makes me smile!
It is so hard to hard to lose your mom. I am happy that you had so many great years together and I am thankful for the times I spent with all of you. Much love to you, Tim and your family Lynette.
So sorry for your family’s loss
Will always remember your mom An family with your contribution. Of leadership in the Isanti. 4-H program .your family was a contributing asset to 4-H. And Extenion in. Isanti. County . your mother always had a smile to share with all.
Thank you to your. Mother an your family. Kind. Regards
Norma. Helget. – Shaffer. Family member of the. Day. Busy. Bees an past County. Extenion. Community members. Past president of Isanti. County 4-H
Lynette, 0ur deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your mother, Lorraine. It is nearly 50 years ago that I met her at Faith Lutheran when I became organist and she sang in the choir so faithfully for many years. She was a wonderful homemaker and I recall often seeing her hands busy with handiwork . Our daughter, Gina, remembers her fondly as they worked together as cashiers at Reichel’s Grocery, though not the 25 years that Lorraine did! I am thankful to have seen you both at Faith Lutheran Church’s recent anniversary. You are to be admired for the wonderful care you gave to your mother. May God bless her memory. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.