Services: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson. Interment will be held in the Benson City Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. to the time of service at the church. Lorraine Marie Skarsten was born on July 28, 1933, in Dublin Township, Swift County, Minnesota, to parents Clay and Agnes (Chepa) Smith. She was called from this life on Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Swift County Benson Hospital. She attained the age of 80 years, 10 months and 23 days. Lorraine attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, MN. After completion of the program, she worked for Holmquist Law Office in Benson. On February 22, 1953, Lorraine was united in marriage to laverne Merlin Skarsten at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Benson by Rev. Dwight Jackson. To this union, one daughter and five sons were born. Together Lorraine & laverne were able to share in 61 years of marriage. After their marriage, Lorraine & laverne resided in Willmar for a short time, then made Benson their permanent home. Lorraine's career consisted of raising her children, working at Fingerhut, doing years of daycare and retiring from Future Products after 13 years. Lorraine loved being involved with her family and community. Among these she was a Girl Scout Leader, delivered Meals on Wheels, worked in the Church's kitchen & Craft Group. Her hobbies consisted of crocheting, knitting, sewing, cleaning, vegetable & flower gardening, casino trips, puzzles, playing board games and family card games. She enjoyed being challenged while watching Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy and we can't forget making klub, lefse, kringla and frying fish for her family. Lorraine loved to watch her sons play sports and continued to watch her grandchildren and great grandchildren in their activities. She also started a tradition of making baby & graduation afghans, doilies and dish towels for showers for her family. Lorraine is survived by her husband, laverne Skarsten of Benson, MN; six children; Sandra (Bruce) Bernardy, Keith (Janelle) Skarsten, Bradley (June) Skarsten, all of Benson, MN, Gary (Chris) Skarsten of Phoenix, AZ; Steven (Paulette) Skarsten of Lincoln, CA, & Kevin (Jara) Skarsten of West Fargo, ND; 14 grandchildren; Jennifer (Scott) Teaser, Jeremy Bernardy, Bryant Skarsten (Ashley Solum), Kaely Skarsten, Ryan (Jessica) Skarsten, Julie (Sam) Loen, Janae (Tom) Olson, Laura (Paul) Petrick, Megan (Jeff) Alwin, Steven Skarsten, Michael Skarsten, Rachel Skarsten, Jacob Skarsten, Evan Skarsten; 12 great-grandchildren; Cole Petrick, Adeline Bernardy, Lillian Bernardy, Logan Skarsten, Landon Skarsten, Marcus Teaser, Olivia Skarsten, Audrey Loen, Morgan Skarsten, Lucas Olson, Shane Loen, Emma Petrick; one sister; Carole Anderson; one brother; Clair (Darlyne) Smith; one sister-in-law; Marlys Smith and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers; Kenneth, Raymond, Lester, Guerdon, Forrest & Douglas.
