Lorraine Elizabeth Davis 1921 - 2024

DAVIS, LOEHRKE, BARTEL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 11/3/2024 at 00:42:13

The Onawa Democrat
Onawa, Iowa
9 October 2024

Lorraine Elizabeth Davis, 103, of Onawa, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Elmwood Care Centre, Onawa, Iowa.

Services will be held at a later date, with burial in the Onawa, Cemetery, Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Lorraine Elizabeth Bartel was born on May 11,1921, on a farm between Kasson and Dodge Center, Southeastern Minnesota, the daughter of Ernest and Lydia (Loehrke) Bartel, the third of seven children. Her mother died when she was thirteen years old. After Lorraine’s fathers passing, her eldest brother, Chester, and his new wife, Ethel, made a home for his six siblings on the farm.

Lorraine attended elementary school in the country school across from the farm and graduated from Kasson Public High School in 1938. Lorraine was an active 4-H member and took first place with her dairy Holstein calf and won a trip to the Minnesota State Fair in 1934.

After graduation, she attended Western Union (Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa) for two years, for Elementary Education. She taught first and second grade in Linn Grove, Iowa.

Lorraine fell in love with an Iowa man, Leonard Davis. Lorraine and Leonard were married in a double ceremony with her sister, Carolyn, who married Darrell Decker, on June 25, 1944, in the Pleasant Corners Church, Kasson, Minnesota. Following a short honeymoon, Leonard returned to active duty with the United States Navy. Lorraine became a World War II Rosie Riveter.

Lorraine went to Percell, Oklahoma, but worked at Douglas Aircraft in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After the World War II ended, they moved back to Iowa. On July 21, 1942, their son James was born. They eventually settled in Onawa, with their son James (Jim). After Jim was old enough, Lorraine earned her Master’s in Elementary Education Certification at Morningside College. She spent many years driving early mornings in sometimes-challenging Iowa weather to be in her early education classroom to greet her students. Her dedication and skillful teaching were recognized several times, including the Northwestern College’s Teacher Recognition Award in 1992, and Outstanding Teacher of America for her contributions to the advancement of elementary education and services to the community.

She taught for many years at the Maple Valley School District, for first and second grade at the Castana Building. In the Mapleton building she taught Kindergarten until she retired in 1983, due to her husband’s health conditions in 1972.

When she retired, her and Leonard became snowbirds traveling to Texas. She enjoyed swimming, shuffleboard, bean bags, playing cards, going on hikes, and spending time with her many friends. Leonard passed away in October of 1988 and her son Jim on January 30, 2004, both of heart attacks. Since her retirement she had dedicated her life to be a volunteer at Burgess Hospital Auxiliary at ACT II working over 12,000 hours.

After forty-plus years, Lorraine had to give up her Texas winters and moved into Elmwood Care Centre, Onawa, Iowa. Joan Miller and Jenn Collison continued their loving care for Lorraine. She continued to enjoy life and to spread joy. Her moto was: better to laugh than cry. She enjoyed visits from friends and former students, and their children and grandchildren. Lorraine enjoyed going to the Monona County Fair in her wheelchair.

Survivors include special friend, Jenn (Miller) Collison and her family of Onawa, Iowa; three nieces, Marcia (Paul) Wiener of Loveland, Colorado, Marian Greene of Hastings, Minnesota, and Paulette McMartin of Owatonna, Minnesota; and friends, Jeff Miller of Onawa, Iowa, and Chris Miller and family of Onawa, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Davis; son, Jim Davis; parents, Ernest and Lydia (Loehrke) Bartel; four brothers, Chester Bartel, Willard Bartel, Roger Bartel, and Eldon Bartel; sisters, Carolyn Bartel Decker and Arlys McMartin; beloved friends, Bob (Joan) Miller; and several other relatives, and friends.

Memorials in Lorraine’s memory may be directed to Jenn Collison and mailed to Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, 1629 10th Street, Onawa, Iowa, 51040.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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