Lauren M. Horvat, 97 – Austin Daily Herald

Lorraine M. Horvat, age 97, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, at her home. Lorraine Marie Schultz was born on April 10, 1926, in Faribault County, Minnesota, to Augustus V and Clara Anna (Cola) Schultz. Lauren attended Maple Grove Country School through eighth grade before leaving to start working. As a teenager and young adult, she worked as a maid and housekeeper in Austin, helped new mothers care for their newborns, and worked in a canning factory.

On June 26, 1951, Lorraine married John Gregory Horvat in Wells, Minnesota. The couple is blessed with eight children. In 1951, Lorraine and John purchased their first farm of 120 acres near Madison Lake, Minnesota. In the spring of 1961, they purchased a 240-acre farm and moved to South Oakland, Minnesota, where Lorraine actively participated in farm life, providing support and care for her family and farm operations. She grew up on a farm, where milking cows became a daily ritual for her, a task she eagerly undertook from childhood until she was 75 years old. Even after selling the cows, Lauren would clean the barn for hours and simply kill time. there. She was also a mother and 4-H leader, teaching children about clothing and gardening. Lauren loved her flowers. She was once quoted in a Flower Garden newspaper: “When I was a little girl, I used to read flower magazines and say to myself: If I had some money, I would send away to buy a lot of flowers.” “I think when I got my first paycheck, I sent some flower seeds.” It was widely known for its extensive and beautiful gardens, which attracted visitors from all over the region. In addition to gardening, she was a talented cook and baker, known for her delicious pie crusts. A favorite among her children and grandchildren was her cinnamon pie crust and sugar cookies. Lauren loved to sew, and would stay up many nights sewing gifts for her children. She also loved cards, dice games, and jigsaw puzzles and enjoyed cheering on her beloved Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

A devout Catholic, Lauren was a longtime member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church. She was actively involved in the Apostolic Service Group, cooking and serving meals during weddings and church events. Lauren also made sure to provide flowers for the various events held in the church, adding a touch of beauty and elegance to every occasion.

Lauren is survived by her children, Patricia (Brian) Sagadin of Glendale, Arizona, Susan (Michael) McNamee of Fort Pierce, Florida, Barbara Stevens of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Beverly (Lowell) Johnson of Oakdale, Minnesota, Edward (Shauna) and Horvat of Roy, Utah, Gregory Horvat of Austin, and Clara “Angel” Horvat of Austin; grandchildren, Andy (Megan) Sagadin, Alex Sagadin, Tommy Sagadin, Sarah Sagadin, Jim McNamee, Anita (Zack) Velos, Dan McNamee, Neomi Stevens, Nick (Emily) Stevens, Mary Stevens, Joe Stevens, Stephanie Johnson, Grant (Kara ). ) Johnson, Rachel (Don) Knipkens, Rebecca (Jeff) Volkin, Josh (Lindsey Thompson) Horvat, Shawn (Tiana) Owens, Tyler Owens, Kaitlyn (Mason) Thueson, Elaine Horvat; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Jordyn Sagadin, Zoe and Athea Velos, Jonathan, Harrison, and Edith Stevens, Devon and Adora Stevens, Josephine, Clayton, and Asher Johnson, and James and Logan Owens; sister Jean Ann (Dean) Clark of Lakeville, MN; sisters-in-law, Kathy Schultz and Sharon Schultz, both of Wells, Minn., and Mary Von Holzen of Winter Haven, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Clara. John’s husband of nearly 54 years; Son Michael. his brother-in-law, Scott Stevens; sisters, Loretta Brummer, Maxine Wistrom, Theresa Olke; brothers Arnold, James, Marvin and Mike Schultz; Brotherhood in law. sisters-in-law; Nieces; And nephews.

To honor Lauren, her family asks that you plant a tree or flowers in her memory.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Lauren will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Edward Catholic Church, Austin. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery, Wells, Minnesota. Meyer-Huff Funeral Home in Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mayerfh.com.