Lorraine Josephine (Schela) Metzger was born into this world on September 6, 1930, to John and Theresa Schela in Devils Lake, North Dakota. She was welcomed into a loving family alongside her seven siblings: Mike, Eva, Kay, John, Frank, Elizabeth, and George. Her early years were spent both in town and on the family farm, where she enjoyed going to school, riding horses to herd cows, playing with the farm animals, and spending precious time with her siblings.
She met and was persistently pursued by her future husband, Ray (Honoratius) Metzger. Ray and Lorraine were married on August 19, 1949, and together they celebrated 69 adventurous years of marriage.
They were blessed with five children: Marcia, Cindy, Terry (Janet), Bunny, and Tim (Kim). Eventually, 13 grandchildren joined the family: Chris (Katey), Robin (Audra), Nicole (Mark), Amanda (Josh), Molly (Ben), Brittany (Jason), Carrie (Matt), Colton, Austin, Gabby (Pat), Mikala (Ben), Landon, and Jakolynn (Valory), followed by 14 great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Jozie, Ashton, Lillian, Claire, Mason, RJ, Jaxon, Ezra, Gigi, Tessa, Arthur, Cove, and Alix.
Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her family. She devoted her life to being a loving wife and mother. Lorraine played an active role in the family’s many business ventures. When she wasn’t chasing children, she enjoyed gardening (both flowers and vegetables), ceramics, sewing, and of course, cooking. She loved animals and often “babysat” her grand-dogs. She was an amazing cook—if you visited her home, you never left hungry. Socializing and entertaining extended family and friends was a joyful part of her life.
She loved traveling and taking family vacations, creating many cherished memories along the way. Lorraine had a big heart, a kind and generous soul, and a deep faith. She put everything she had into being the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she could be.
She left this world the way she entered it—surrounded by a loving family—on May 21, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ray, her son Terry, and her great-granddaughter Tessa.
She will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Funeral Mass will be at 11am on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 202 4th Street NW, Byron, MN with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Father John Lasuba will be officiating. Lunch following mass at church fellowship hall. Burial to take place in Devils Lake, ND at a later date.
Lorraine was a much-loved aunt through my marriage to her niece, LuAnn. She and Ray were undoubtedly her favorite uncle and aunt! Their selfless assistance to LuAnn and me during her several operations and rehabilitation stays in Rochester through the years were profoundly appreciated. They welcomed me into their home several times with Ray advising me where to attend Sunday Mass to get a “good” priest’s homily! Lorraine’s annual four-to-six-page, handwritten Christmas letters, were priceless as we were kept up on the family’s annual activities! We loved them both – she is even my third cousin, as John and my dad Philip were second cousins; both having been born in the same German Russian village, Mannheim in the Province of Ukraine, near Odessa.
I send my condolences to members of her dear family. Rest in Peace Lorraine, Amen
I remember Auntie Lorraine at Grandma and Grandpa’s place sitting on lawn chairs enjoying all the company with many other relatives. Those were fun times.
Aunt Lorraine was a beautiful person. She and Uncle Ray took my mom and I in when my mom had open heart surgery at Mayo. Aunt Lorraine was always very kind and much appreciated. She and Uncle Ray had a beautiful garden. They raised 5 beautiful children also. I will not make it to Byron, but please let me know when the burial will be in Devils Lake. Love you all!! ❤️