Lorayne Theresa Lillehaugen

Lorayne T. Lillehaugen, age 97, died August 6, 2019 in her apartment at Parkwood Assisted Living under the loving care of Parkwood Staff and Red River Valley Hospice Care.

Lorayne was born January 16, 1922, in Devils Lake, ND, to Anna (Steen) and Erick Keck. She grew up in Doyon, ND, graduating high school there. She obtained her Standard Teaching Degree at Mayville State Teachers College and taught in several North Dakota schools: Whitman, Adams, Park River, Perth Country School and Michigan Public School.

On June 23, 1946 Lorayne married C. Arnold Lillehaugen in Doyon, ND. They lived near Whitman where they raised their three children and farmed for nearly 60 years. They lived in Bismarck for two legislative sessions while Arnold served in the ND House of Representatives. Following his death in 2006, Lorayne moved to Grand Forks, ND.

Lorayne was known for her beautiful smile, hearty laugh and wonderful sense of humor. She was warm-hearted, easy going, adaptable and playful. She loved people and left a remarkable impression on those she met. Lorayne was always delighted to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending numerous musical programs, events and games. Her sisters and extended family were special in her life, sharing laughter, tears, visits and trips.

Lorayne was creative with diverse interests and talented in everything she explored from sewing and embroidery, drawing, oil and water color painting, calligraphy, board games, swimming, crossword puzzles and Sudoku, to enjoying concerts and music, to watching her favorite basketball teams, (the Spurs and the Warriors). She was excited to attend her first major league baseball game at age 93 and was presented with an autographed baseball during the game from the Atlanta Braves. Lorayne became an excellent cook and bread maker who enjoyed feeding family and friends. Every grandchild loved the experience of “making buns” with Grandma. In her late 70s she purchased a computer, took computer classes and began communicating via email. Lorayne grew up with a love for trains. Her father was a depot agent and she made many trips via Great Northern Railway and AMTRAK. She was always enthused about traveling and enjoyed trips throughout Europe and the U.S. as well as annual lake-time in Alexandria, MN. She actively participated in organizations throughout her community, and in her churches: Sarnia United Lutheran in Whitman, ND and United Lutheran in Grand Forks.

Lorayne is survived by her daughters: Meredith Lins (Robert J. Lins), Cambridge, WI; Paige M. Lillehaugen (David Frueauf), Beaverton, OR; daughter-in-law, Margaret O’Leary, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren: Brett Washburn (Kellee Reeves), Alpharetta, GA; Heather Washburn, Portland, OR; Eric Lillehaugen (Shelby Cochran), Moorhead, MN; great-grandchildren: Ariel Washburn and Drew Washburn, Alpharetta, GA; and Zander Logue, Portland, OR. She is also survived by three sisters: Mildred Olson, Evergreen, CO; Mary Ann Thal, Lakewood, CO.; Betty Karaim, Mayville, ND; and sisters- and brothers-in-law: Clara Marie Knoff, Plymouth, MN; Carol and MeRoy Lillehaugen, Golden Valley, MN; and Michael and Kathie Lillehaugen, Alexandria, MN, plus many nieces and nephews.

Lorayne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, C. Arnold; son, Mark A. Lillehaugen; sister, Colleen Polka; sisters-in-law Hilma Jorgenson, Sylvia Lillehaugen, Viola Lillehaugen, Edith Lovestrom; and brothers-in-law Tollef Lillehaugen, Marius Jorgenson, N. Manvel Lillehaugen, Leroy Knoff, Willard Olson, Milton Bailey, Frederick Polka, and William Karaim.

Memorials may be given to West Forest Cemetery 11714 53rd St. NE Michigan, ND 58259 % Scott Moen, or United Luthern Church 324 Chestnut Street, Grand Forks, ND. 58201.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks.

Visitation: Friday, August 16 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Amundson Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue the hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Inurnment: West Forest Cemetery, Rural Whitman, ND.