Lorraine J. (Helgeson) Oliver

Lorraine J. Oliver, of Glenwood, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the age of 97. A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Moorhead, Minnesota with Rev. Randy Chrissis officiating. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

Lorraine J. (Helgeson) Oliver was born and raised on her family’s farm near Wyndmere, North Dakota on October 21, 1922. She was the youngest of six children; four brothers and one sister. She spoke fondly of her childhood. Her brothers were musicians and Lorraine and her sister, Marian, loved to sing. Music and laughter continued to surround her throughout her life.

Lorraine moved to Fargo where she met her handsome future husband, Louie. Her world exploded into fun upon the introduction into a large Italian community of family and friends. Lorraine and Louie were united in marriage on June 30, 1947. After building their home in Dilworth, they owned and operated Louie’s Café. Lorraine was a master at hospitality in business and at home. Many found comfort and joy in her presence. She is remembered for her good food (ravioli, lefse, pepper salad) and “the goodie corner” in her kitchen. She often had recipes in her purse written in her address book! Her legacy is a heart full of compassion, unconditional love and sense of humor.  She displayed this poem in her home:

“Message to my Friend” Dear friend; Though the years and the miles have divided our paths, and time goes marching by, the tears and the smiles you gave me will last along with my efforts to try – to let you know in some small way what a friendship like yours is worth, there’s nothing considered more precious, at least not here on earth. And when you need a helping hand and perhaps a shoulder too, don’t hesitate, my friend, to let me know, I’ll do the same for you.

Lorraine and Louie shared 56 years of marriage before Louie passed away, August 13, 2003. Lorraine moved to Glenwood in 2018 to be closer to her daughter.

Lorraine is survived by her son, Carmen (Beth) Olivieri of Sioux Falls, SD and daughter, Renee (Randy) Chrissis of Glenwood. She had 8 grandchildren who she was very proud of: Rochael (Mark) Teynor, Justin (Amy) Olivieri, Josef Olivieri, Brandon (Tara) Bailie, Emily (Rob) Myallis, Laura (Derek) Lunde, Jennifer (Matt) Gledhill and Michael (Ashley) Martin; 13 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Brad (Sandy) Bailie; brother-in-law, Josef Olivieri; sisters-in-law, Audrey Oliver and Anna Zeuli; and many loved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Louie and daughter, Bonita Bailie.

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