Loreen E. Gagnon

Loreen E. Gagnon, 88, of Lonsdale, Minn. and formerly of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 at the Villages of Lonsdale.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Clear Lake Christian Church, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. She was laid to rest with her husband, David, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. 

Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, and one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Loreen Ethel Moretz was born May 8, 1934, near Hanlontown on the family farm. The daughter of Lester L. and Leila C. (Oleson) Moretz, Loreen grew up in the area graduating from Clear Lake High School. Loreen took pride in her work as a dental assistant for Dr. Calhoun in Clear Lake. Loreen and David Gagnon married June 1, 1958 in Clear Lake and have a daughter and son, Denise and Derrick. 

Throughout the years, Loreen enjoyed time spent camping and vacations with the family. She enjoyed making  homemade pickles, canning a variety of foods, and made the best homemade applesauce.  Loreen was constantly crafting, whether it was collecting rocks and arrowheads, crocheting, acrylic painting, or beading, her hands were rarely idle. She was a known fixer and could put just about anything broken back together. Her Christmas array was filled with homemade cookies, fudges of all flavors and candies, all of which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

Loreen’s vibrant, strong willed personality carried her through the most difficult points in life, and made the great parts even more special. Most of all, she was beyond proud of her children and grandchildren, sharing their achievements with all who would listen. Time spent with her family brought her great joy, and becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest loves. 

She is survived by her two children, Denise (Michael) Palmer, of Apple Valley, Minn. and Derrick (Lori) Gagnon, of Lakeville, Minn.; three grandchildren, Jordan (Nick) Hatchett, of Cottage Grove, Logan Gagnon, of Lakeville, and Zoe Palmer, of Apple Valley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Preceding her in death are her husband, David; parents; brothers, Maynard, Delmer and Hubert Moretz; sisters, Revena (Keith) Collins and Donna (Robert) Legler.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.