Lorraine Holmquist

Lorraine Elizabeth Holmquist, 92, of Newton, NC, passed away on October 15, 2024 at Abernethy Laurels.  She was born August 6, 1932 in Red Wing, MN to the late John and Agnes (Bartron) Kozak. Lorraine was a retired school teacher and homemaker. 

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband Curtis, 91, of Newton, NC, who passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Abernethy Laurels, granddaughters, Jennifer Zwonitzer and Maile Holmquist.  Those left to cherish her memory are;  Son: Scott Holmquist and wife Corinne of Mount Holly, NC; Daughter: Lora Zwonitzer and husband Dan of Cook, MN; Grandchildren: Nate Zwonitzer (Kathy), Ryan Zwonitzer (Erin), Mark Holmquist (Lexie), and Carissa Frank (Tyler); Great-Grandchildren: Taylor Zwonitzer, Axel Zwonitzer, Finley Zwonitzer, Elsie Frank, and Malia Frank

 Lorraine’s nature was loving, energetic, and educationally based. She was a learner, teacher, and an organizer throughout her life. She was a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, Curtis. Lorraine was a beloved mother to her children, and Grammy to her grandchildren.   Lorraine received a BA degree in Education from Macalester College and a Special Education degree from Winona State University.  She was a preschool teacher, elementary teacher, Special Education teacher, and librarian. She continued her educational career by becoming a docent at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA. 

Lorraine loved spending time with both family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and learning about the new places she visited. She also had a passion for animals, antique buttons and Jeopardy.   She quietly served every community she lived in. Lorraine was in PEO, the Winona Women’s Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Central United Methodist Church Choir, the National Button Association, and the Winona Historical Society. She also wrote historical articles for the Winona Daily News and was a docent at The Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA. She partnered alongside Curtis on many festivities.   Lorraine loved books, music, writing and knitting. Her organizational skills were amazing. She was very creative in both music and writing.   She had a song for every occasion. Many times, her family would try to stump her to come up with a song to match the situation. When asked if she had a song for prunes, she said, “Of course,” and proceeded to sing, “A baby prune is like his Dad but he’s not wrinkled quite as bad.”

 There will be two combined “Celebration of Life” services for Curtis and Lorraine Holmquist:  2 p.m. October 26, 2024, Bennett Funeral Services, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton, NC 28658 and 2 p.m. November 9, 2024, Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, 602 Plum Street, Red Wing, MN 55066. Family will greet friends prior to the services at both locations, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.   Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.

Condolences may be sent to the Holmquist family C/O Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton, NC 28658, or on their website or Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, 602 Plum St., Red Wing, MN  55066 or on their website.