Lorraine Mae (Jacobson) Persons
Lorraine Mae Persons passed away at noon on May 8, 2017. She passed peacefully after a short, but cruel struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Lorraine was born on April 23rd, 1939 in Chisholm, Minnesota. She was the second of four children born to Anna and Axel Jacobson.
Lorraine spent her childhood growing up on McCormick Lake in Chisholm, Minnesota. She loved living at the lake and enjoyed boating, fishing and water-skiing with her family.
When Lorraine was young, she shared a bicycle with her older sister, Karen, and younger brother, Lawrence. One day the three of them got a crazy idea to ride the bike together down a big hill near the house. Karen took care of the pedaling, while Lawrence stood on the back and Lorraine sat on the handlebars. Of course, it didn’t go as planned! All three of them had a little crash, but were not seriously injured. This is a testament of her adventurous spirit that began at a young age.
Lorraine was an honor student at Hibbing High School She went on to Junior College at the College of St. Scholastica. Lorraine graduated with a degree in medical technology and worked as a med-tech in various hospitals in the Twin Cities area. She was married to Garry Persons, with whom they had two daughters, Lori Ann and Kara Lynn.
Lorraine finished her career as laboratory manager at the Paul Larson OBGYN Clinic in Edina, Minnesota and she retired at the age of 71! Outside of work, Lorraine enjoyed playing tennis and going golfing with her many friends. She belonged to the Edina Federated Women’s Club and the Adventure Girls, with whom she shared numerous exciting experiences.
After she retired, Lorraine moved to Helena, MT in 2010 to be with her daughters. Little did she know she would meet the love of her life, Elden Wilson. The pair enjoyed raising horses on the property they shared. When the snow started to fly in Helena, the two of them would trailer their horses to Wickenburg, Arizona and would delight in riding them and making friends at Rancho Sin Nieve horse camp. Lorraine was the happiest she had ever been before Alzheimer’s robbed her of the vivacious life she led.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; Anna and Axel Jacobson, brother-in-law; Albert Whitesell. She is survived by her daughters; Lori (Kevin) Heit, and Kara (Brett) Smith, her beloved Elden Wilson, granddaughters; Kylie, Madison and Lucia Heit, older sister Karen Whitesell, younger brothers; Lawrence (Camille) Jacobson and Edward (Linda) Jacobson; nephews, Al (Lorie) Whitesell, Dan (Nancy) Whitesell and niece; Keri (Craig) Whitman.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 –6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the service at Elden’s and Lorraine’s house.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ramsey Keller Memorial, supporting infant loss, at www.kisses2heaven.com. Special thanks to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital. We are grateful to Dr. Kreisburg for his exceptional care and all the nurses on the 3rd floor keeping mom and our family comfortable. Don’t know what we would have done without St. Peter’s Hospice team checking in and bringing light and love during this sad time.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Lorraine.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jay W Rugg says
A very happy person to be around and enjoyed life.
Was very nice to spend time with her and Elden.
Enjoyed her company on our 50th cruse and other get to gathers
Karen Whitesell says
WITH DEEPEST SORROW TO My DEAR NIECES LORI & KARA AND FAMILIES IN THE LOSS OF THEIR MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER. My sister Lorraine has been in my life for the last 78 years and I will miss her every day going forward. We shared so many things over the years especially phone calls. Every time there was something new to tell–good or bad–our first thought was to call each other. That need to tell Lorraine has continued through the last two years when Alzheimers stole her voice. Every time there was something important happening, my first thought was I wish I could tell Lorraine. REST IN PEACE, Dear Sister.
Kim Rugg says
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to Lorraine’s family. We really enjoyed seeing her when she and Uncle Elden would come down to Colorado for a visit. We are thankful that we were able to all be together on the Alaskan cruise we took 4 years ago. I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
Shawn Whyte says
Lorraine, I see the adventure spirit you bestowed upon Lori, and I am so happy to see that she has instilled the glint of ‘what may be’ in the eyes of her girls. The future this creates is so beautiful and obvious for all to see. I hope you delight in knowing that you have raise a child so capable and strong that your spirit will live on in the legacy of your granddaughters. Dear Lori and sweet Kylie, Madison and Lucia, I send you peace, love and hugs (which I know Kevin is unabashedly sharing) to you all in the loss of this beacon. I hope you all feel our love and support, such that you will never doubt your sprit, passion or future.
Anne Woodland says
Lori, I remember meeting your mom several years ago in Helena, and thinking how happy she was spending time with her grandchildren. I am glad she got to spend her last years closer to all of you. It sounds like she made the most of the time she had. I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some peace in all the memories of the good times.
Duane & Sandy Schley says
We were saddened to learn of the loss of our good friend, Lorraine. She was so special to us . . . we worked together; we played together; and, we enjoyed many adventures together. Lorraine, Lori, and Kara were neighbors for years; her family was our family; our kids played together and grew up together. We celebrated birthdays and weddings. We shared good times and difficult times. Before Lorraine left for Montana, she stayed with us so we were also blessed to meet and learn to know Elden when he came back to MN to help her relocate — a trip that was the beginning of happy years spent together in retirement. We’ll miss Lorraine, but we take comfort in many shared memories. We wish all of you, her loved ones, peace, comfort and strength in your memories. Love to all of you!
Bev and Ed Zimmerman says
Lorraine was in my golf group. We had such fun together and always went for happy hour at the club house after golf. I have missed her since she moved to Montana. Lorraine had a wonderful sense of humor and was a delight to be around. My sympathy her daughters and Elden.
Kara (Persons) Smith says
Mom,
You taught me everything I need know except how to live without you. I love you mommy.