Betty Ann Lorenzen

BETTY ANN LORENZEN was born on August 15, 1927, to John and Leona (Oehlerts) Schmidt in Luverne, Minnesota. Betty Ann was baptized on January 25, 1928 and confirmed on July 6, 1941 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota, both by Rev. J.O. Mundahl. She was raised on the family farm near Hardwick, Minnesota and attended District 69 Country School through the eighth grade. She then attended and later graduated from Luverne High School in 1945. She furthered her education at a business school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She then traveled to Chicago, Illinois for a job opportunity at the Children’s Memorial Hospital. After returning home to Hardwick, Betty Ann and a friend worked at the Ben Franklin store in Pipestone, Minnesota, for 25 cents an hour. On April 23, 1947, Betty Ann and Elvin Lorenzen were united in marriage at the Methodist Parsonage in Lake Benton, Minnesota, with the Rev. George Hamilton officiating. The couple made their home on the farm northeast of Hardwick. Two children were born to this union, David and Dianne. The majority of Betty Ann’s life was spent on the farm. She enjoyed driving tractor, working in the fields, gardening, flower work, and canning. One thing she did not like was grinding feed! In 1986, Betty Ann and Elvin moved off the farm and into a house in Hardwick. Elvin preceded her death on July 11, 1991. Betty Ann continued to reside at their home until January 2015 when she moved to Poplar Creek Assisted Living in Luverne. On Saturday, August 29, 2015, Betty Ann died peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 88 years and 14 days.

Betty Ann was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. She was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Hardwick, serving for 65 years. Betty Ann belonged to the “Hi Neighbor” Birthday Club her entire life. She always had a pot of coffee on and loved to visit with her family and friends. She spent many hours crocheting and playing pinochle with her amazing fun-loving friends. Betty Ann was a “tough cookie”, knew hard work, and loved her life on the farm. Her hometown of Hardwick and all her dear friends there held a special place in her heart.

Betty Ann will be missed so very much by her two children, David Lorenzen of Hardwick, and Dianne and her husband, Rodger Ossenfort of Luverne; five grandchildren, Shawn Marie, Heather Ann, Naomi Lynn, Matthew Dean, and Monti Allen; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.