Lorraine Stussy, 98, Wells, Minn.

Lorraine Stussy, age 98, died Aug. 7, 2016 at the Parkview Care Center in Wells, Minn.  

Inez Lorraine was born April 24, 1918, to Claude Chase Robbins and Rena Thompson Robbins on their farm in Wasioja Township, Dodge County, Minn. She was the first of seven children. Through her father’s side, she was a descendent of many early colonial settlers to America, while her mother’s parents had emigrated from Norway. 

When Lorraine was 14, the family moved to Mantorville, where she graduated as salutatorian from the local high school. Then she attended Normal Training School to become a teacher in nearby Kasson. She taught in a one-room country schoolhouse for three years, coming home to stay with her family on weekends. 

On Aug. 28, 1938, she married her high school sweetheart, Lloyd LeRoy Stussy, son of Walter Stussy and Esther Maxon. Lloyd was a graduate of Rochester Junior College and the University of Minnesota. Lorraine put her teaching career aside to support Lloyd’s career and raise their three children. By 1942, the couple was residing in Wells, where Lloyd was a teacher and coach in a career that lasted about 50 years.

When son David began his freshman year at Gustavus Adolphus College, Lorraine decided to enroll at Mankato State College. The mother and son duo graduated from college the same year. After graduating, Lorraine taught fifth grade at Winnebago for six years, then retired again to care for her aging mother. 

Lorraine was a very active community member, participating in such groups as the Campfire Girls, the League of Women Voters, the Food Coop Board and in the United Methodist Church, holding numerous offices. 

After 64 years of marriage, Lloyd died January 1, 2003 at 85. Lorraine remained in their Wells home until she moved into Parkview Care Center due to mobility problems. 

Lorraine is survived by daughter Janice and husband Richard Elster of Monterey, Calif.; son-in-law Richard Kalis of Mankato, Minn.; and son David and his former wife Lona, parents of two of Lorraine’s grandchildren. Her seven grandchildren include: David Elster, Carol Mahamedi, Linda Thomas (Janice); Todd and Tammora Kalis (Diane); and Shoshanna Moglen and Jessika Schwalen(David). Other survivors include the spouses of her grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 22 nieces and nephews.

Lorraine is also survived by all of her six siblings: Wilbur Robbins of St. Louis Park Minn.; John Robbins of Seneca Falls N.Y.; Howard Robbins of Thousand Oaks Cali.; Valeria Eaton of Terre Haut, Ind.; Carol Stucky of Scottsdale Ariz., and Donna Jordahl of Pocatello Idaho. After their mother’s death, Lorraine and her youngest sister Donna organized annual family reunions all over the United States, lasting about 30 years. 

Her parents died in 1974 and 1976, and daughter Diane Kalis died at age 71, in 2013. A graveside ceremony for Lorraine will be held in the Pine Island Cemetery, where she will be buried beside her husband Lloyd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wells Library Foundation (54 1st St SW) or the Wells Historical Society (PO Box 43) in Wells, Minn., 56097.

The family thanks all those, in her later years, for adding to the quality of her life, especially the wonderful Parkview staff and her loving neighbors and friends. She and Lloyd are now gone, but their love of life, their sense of humor, and the tales of their travels (after Lloyd learned to love flying) will be shared in stories for years to come, especially those trips taken with grandchildren along for the joy ride.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.