Lorraine Berg, age 92, of Becker passed away on June 2. She was born in Holdingford, Minnesota to William and Mary Epsky. At the age of 10, she and her family moved to a farm near Clarissa. She graduated from Clarissa High School.

 

Her first job was at Hart Publications in Long Prairie. After she attended beauty school in Minneapolis, she worked for her aunt at Irene’s Beauty Shop in Long Prairie and eventually started a beauty shop in Holdingford. Later, she attended Airline School in Kansas City and was employed at Northwest and Braniff Airlines. 

 

With the airline benefits, Lorraine did a lot of traveling. One spot that caught her eye was Alaska. In 1959, she married Norbert Berg. She planned their honeymoon to show him the beauty and scenery of Alaska. It was a great plan, other than the fact that their wedding date was January 24. Instead of majestic scenery, they saw mounds of snow! They continued to travel internationally as well visiting all 50 states. 

 

From 1966-1973, Lorraine and Norbert owned and operated Shorecrest Resort on Leech Lake. They returned to Long Prairie, where she worked in the courthouse and then for the historical society. Later, they moved to St. Cloud, where, even though she was in her late 70s, she delighted in helping people while working for the Stearns Benton WorkForce Center.

 

In 2011, Lorraine moved to Shepherd of Grace assisted living. She enjoyed the residents and staff and was very happy to be there.

 

Lorraine loved to give advice. Once when she was interviewed by a reporter he asked her what advice she had to give. Her response, "Forget yesterday, make the most of today, tomorrow is unknown."

 

A very ambitious lady; always organized and always willing to help and care for others in any way she could. She will be missed.

 

Lorraine was preceded in death by parents William and Mary Epsky, husband Norbert, son Joseph, brother Raymond and sister-in-law Ruth Epsky, sister Helen, and brother-in-law Conway Thompson. 

 

She is survived by brother Edward (Arlie), sister Rhea Thompson; nieces Barbara, Marilyn, Nancy, Mary Claire and nephew Doug; Conway's family Wendy, Heidi, Bruce, their spouses, children and grandchildren.

 

Funeral service will be held June 17 at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Becker, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.