Dorraine Banitt

Dorraine Florence Banitt, 94, of Red Wing died Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Potter Ridge Senior Living in Red Wing, Minnesota. Dorraine was born on July 28, 1930, to Christian and Elsie (Gerdes) Alms in Red Wing. She graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1948. Dorraine Alms was united in marriage to Walter Banitt on September 23, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hay Creek. Dorraine farmed with Walter in Belvidere for many years. Together they also sold farm equipment and Dorraine was the parts lady and was integral to their success. She also milked the cows and loved to mow the lawn. Dorraine was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and participated in the Ladies Aid, bible study groups, and sang in the church choir for many years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Dorraine enjoyed poetry, coloring, word search puzzles, and bowling. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking. Dorraine loved wintering in Arizona for over 30 years. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dorraine was friends with everyone and could always bring a smile to people’s faces.

Dorraine is survived by her children, Daniel (Patricia) Banitt of Goodhue, Deborah (Steven) Weinrich of Lake City, Denise (Shelly) Simanski of Red Wing, Dale (Kari Janssen) Banitt of Red Wing, Dawn (Pete Christiansen) Laffey of Red Wing, Dianne (Daniel) Lee of Goodhue, and Darryl (Lori) Banitt of Cannon Falls; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; her brother, Myron (Ruth) Alms of Red Wing; her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Beck and Margaret Banitt; and many nieces and nephews.

Dorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents, Christian and Elsie Alms; son, Dean Banitt; son-in-law, Craig Kurtti; and her sister, Ardelle Alms.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 5, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hay Creek with Reverend Lowell Sorenson officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Immanual Lutheran Church or Mayo Hospice. Funeral arrangements by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.