LORRAINE JOHANNA KOEL

December 30, 1921 - May 4, 2020

Lorraine “Lori” Johanna Koel, 98, of Rochester Minnesota died peacefully in her sleep on May 4, 2020 at Madonna Towers Skilled Nursing Facility in Rochester Minnesota. She was born to Nicholas and Lucille Palen Koel on December 30, 1921, just before her twin sister, Elaine, in her family home in Caledonia Minnesota. Following graduation from Loretto High School in 1938, she entered nurses training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. She earned her RN degree and worked briefly at the Caledonia Hospital before returning to Rochester to begin her lifelong career as a surgical nurse. With skill and determination she became a head nurse in surgery and played a role in teaching the new residents, many of whom went on to become renowned surgeons. She was known for her high standards in patient care, and was proud to be an RN and a member of the Mayo family. Although she retired after 35 years of service, her interest in medicine continued and she maintained her license for many years. Following retirement, Lori gave of herself in volunteering for many local groups including the Rochester Flower and Garden Club, Friends of Mayowood, Olmsted County Historical Society, and her condo association. She found joy in world travel throughout her life including trips to Hawaii, Cuba, Kenya, Australia, and New Zealand. She took many winter vacations through the years to Mexico where she would put her Spanish lessons to good use. On her travels, she enjoyed making new friends and collecting fascinating memorabilia. Her home at Lakeview Court seemed to burst at the seams with small treasures. She found great pleasure in gazing out at Lake George no matter what the season, and in taking daily walks on its paths, weather permitting. She kept fit into her ninth decade with stationary biking while residing at Madonna Meadows Assisted Living, and would participate in whatever activities her physical limitations would allow. Unfortunately a fall last summer took its toll and necessitated a transfer to a higher level of care at Madonna Towers Skilled Nursing Facility. Although Lori had no children of her own, she was an active presence for her many nieces and nephews. She would often return to Caledonia on weekends to participate in family events. She was a devout Catholic and she and her twin sister would frequently end conversations by saying they were praying for each other. She is survived by her sister Marita (George) Smith, and her nieces and nephews: Clare Blexrud Liebe, John Blexrud, Patricia Wagner Pietre, Paul Wagner, Marianne Wagner Schultz, Jo Ann Wagner Schmitz, Stephen Danaher, Sharon Danaher Hagler, Jeanne Danaher Wright, Marcia Danaher Kreycik, Patrick Danaher, Gregory Danaher, Susan Danaher Schmidtke, Kathleen Smith Seal, Colleen Smith Vollenweider, Tom Smith, Linda Smith Gillette, Jerry Smith, and Michael Smith. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Koel; three sisters, Bernadine (Henry) Blexrud, Lucille (Orval) Wagner, and her twin, Elaine (Robert) Danaher; nephews Michael Wagner and Kevin Danaher; and nieces Susan Blexrud, Kathleen Wagner, and Diane Smith. She was also preceded in death by her good friend and companion, Dr. C.R. Holland. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private family ceremony and a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 9 in Caledonia Minnesota with interment at Calvary Cemetery afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Mayo Hospice or a charity of your choice.