LORRAINE MAE PETER

Lorraine M (Dehning) Peter, age 90, of Caledonia, MN, died Monday, December 11, 2023, at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, MN. She was born on December 27, 1932, to George and Emma (Kumpf) Dehning on the Dehning family farm in Dorchester, IA. On September 10, 1955, she married Ronald Peter at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Caledonia, MN. They were married for 51 years before Ronald passed on December 17, 2006. They were blessed with eight children, 13 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren and one due March 2024. Lorraine graduated from Waukon High School, Waukon, IA, in 1951. She moved to Caledonia, MN, in June 1951, and began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her career in the healthcare field spanned over 58 years working at the Caledonia Hospital, Caledonia Nursing Home, and Gundersen Tweeten Care Center, Spring Grove, MN. She later worked as an Assistant Cook at St. Mary’s School for seven years retiring in 2016 at the age of 84 years old. Mom was a devoted, compassionate caregiver to many people in the Caledonia area. Her career began caring for newborn babies and their mothers, providing many mothers with the “best” back rubs. Her healthcare career ended caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Mom never thought of her career as a job as she was passionate about caring for others and putting everyone else’s needs before hers. She found much fulfillment in helping others. Mom also loved kids. She loved being a Mother, Grandma and Great-Grandma and following their activities. She also enjoyed being the “lunch lady” at St. Mary’s School and visiting with all the school children each day as they came through the lunch line. Mom and Dad and all of their children delivered the Winona Daily News for 27 years enjoying all of their customers. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves and the Caledonia Warriors. She was also a “secret” Green Bay Packer fan. Her faith was very important to her and she was a devoted member of St Mary’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years helping serve lunch many nights at Legion Bingo. Above all, family was most important to her. Lorraine is survived by eight children, Linda (George) Hartl of West Bend, WI, Theresa (Rodney) Kleinertz of West Salem, WI, Mike (Dar) Peter of Spring Grove, MN, Tom (Laurie) Peter, Mark Peter, Steve (Nancy) Peter, Marsha Vonderohe, Carla (Tom) Gavin, all of Caledonia, MN; 13 grandchildren, Aaron and Rachel Kleinertz, Amanda (Josh) Meyer, Brian (Jose Guzman) Peter, Natasha (Joseph) Rye, Cody Gavin, Jessica (Alex) Kroll, Lindsey Peter, Brandon and Hayley Vonderohe, Laura (Carter) Thies, Matthew and Mitchell Gavin; and eight great-grandchildren, Hayven and Grady Meyer, Mason, Brecken, and Brooks Rye, Landon and Lincoln Kroll, and Payton Thies; four sisters, Lila Kasten, Letha Fall, Carol Plank, and Janice (Gene) Tessmer; one brother, Don Dehning; sister-in-law Lois Dehning; brother-in-law LaVerne Lager; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Lloyd (Delores) Dehning and Merlin (Slim) Dehning; two sisters, Viola (Paul) Zell and Alice Dehning; brothers-in-law Hillery Kasten, Gerald Fall, Eugene Plank, Ozzie (Jeannette) Peter, Norman (Joyce) Peter; and sisters-in-law Marge Dehning, Wilma (Mark) Klug, Marie (George) Albert, and Erma Lager; nephew Rick Dehning. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 21, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caledonia. Fr Andrew Vogel will officiate, and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 – 7 pm on December 20, at Holy Family Hall (behind St. Mary’s Catholic Church), Caledonia, where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m., and at the church on December 21 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. The service will be livestreamed on St. Mary's School and Church, Caledonia, Facebook page.

LORRAINE MAE PETER

December 27, 1932 - December 11, 2023